The Holistic Counselor

Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS
  • 5.0 (40)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

The Holistic Counselor Podcast is where faith, psychology, and whole-person wellness meet. Hosted by Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS—a licensed mental health counselor, integrative practitioner, and storyteller based in South Florida—this podcast offers grounded, compassionate conversations for anyone seeking emotional healing, mental clarity, spiritual growth, and healthier relationships. Episodes feature a wide range of voices: therapists, physicians, attorneys, pastors, educators, authors, wellness practitioners, and advocates. Together, we explore trauma recovery, nervous system health, neuroplasticity, boundaries, identity, spiritual formation, church hurt, anxiety, resilience, integrative wellness, creativity, and the real stories that shape us. Some conversations reflect Diana's Christian perspective and theology; others center on clinical insight, cultural context, or holistic practices. All episodes share the same intention: reducing stigma, elevating mental-health literacy, honoring diverse lived experiences, and supporting whole-person transformation. This podcast is a safe space for clinicians, faith leaders, creatives, parents, and anyone on a healing journey—whether you come from a church background, a deconstructing season, a holistic wellness path, or simply curiosity about mental and emotional health. Florida therapy services: www.throughthevalleytherapy.com (Florida residents only) Consulting, coaching, and educational work: www.transformedmindcc.com Support the podcast and help keep it independent by visiting the merch store: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ Educational only; not therapy, diagnosis, or medical care.

  1. 17h ago

    Ep. 126 - Christian Therapy & Trauma Healing: Spiritual Abuse, Shame, and Identity in Christ with Vanessa Bentley, LPC-MHSP

    What does it really mean to heal when faith, trauma, shame, and identity are all tangled together? In Episode 126 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS, welcomes Vanessa Bentley, LPC-MHSP, licensed professional counselor, author, speaker, and host of The Work of Being Human podcast, for a deeply honest conversation about Christian therapy, trauma healing, spiritual abuse, church hurt, shame, faith deconstruction, identity in Christ, emotional healing, and what it means to face reality without denial, deception, or distortion. Vanessa's story begins in the arts. Before becoming a psychotherapist, she earned her B.F.A. in Musical Theater from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts and spent ten years working in theater, film, television, and print modeling. Her work took her from the professional stages of Manhattan to the historic stages of Europe, including a European tour of West Side Story in the role of Maria. But this conversation goes far beyond credentials. Diana and Vanessa talk about what happens when faith is inherited as rules instead of formed as identity, when religion becomes performance instead of relationship, and when trauma, shame, and suffering are met with spiritual bypassing instead of truth, compassion, and healing. This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered: What is true? Who am I really? Where is God in my suffering? Why do I feel stuck even after therapy, prayer, or trying to "do all the right things"? Can Christian faith and mental health counseling work together in an ethical, grounded, and healing way? How do I stop performing and begin becoming honest, human, and whole? Vanessa shares how her own life, failures, spiritual disillusionment, therapy, and return to Christ shaped her work as a therapist. Together, Diana and Vanessa discuss high-control religion, spiritual abuse, shame, guilt, fear, agnosticism, atheism, confession, redemption, psychology, theology, relationship repair, and why healing must be built on truth. At the heart of this conversation is a powerful idea: mental health is not just symptom management. It is learning how to live in reality, tell the truth, and become whole. Why This Conversation Matters Many people are searching for healing, but they are afraid. Afraid of being judged. Afraid therapy will pull them away from God. Afraid their church will tell them to just pray harder. Afraid their questions mean they are losing faith. Afraid their trauma means something is wrong with them. Afraid to tell the truth because shame has convinced them they are beyond repair. This episode creates space for a different kind of conversation. Diana and Vanessa do not reduce healing to a diagnosis, a coping skill, a church answer, or a self-help phrase. Instead, they explore the deeper work of becoming honest before God, self, and others. This conversation honors both clinical wisdom and Christian faith. It invites listeners to consider that mental health is not only about feeling better, but about learning how to live in truth, reality, humility, love, and grace. In This Episode, Diana and Vanessa Discuss Vanessa's journey from musical theater, film, television, and modeling into psychotherapy How the performing arts shaped Vanessa's understanding of story, identity, and humanity Why many therapists are shaped by their own pain before they ever enter the classroom The difference between inherited faith and investigated faith What happens when religion gives rules but not identity Spiritual abuse, church hurt, and high-control faith environments Why questions can become part of spiritual maturity The difference between belief and identity in Christ How shame, guilt, and fear can become normalized Why healing requires both truth and compassion The danger of confusing trauma with "God's will" Why Christian therapy must be honest about suffering, sin, grace, and redemption How therapy can create a safe place for confession, accountability, and repair Jesus as Logos: truth, reality, reason, and the Word made flesh Why mental health and theology intersect for people of faith How denial, deception, and distortion keep people stuck Why anxiety, depression, and emotional pain can be signals that something deeper needs attention What it means to face reality and embrace humanity Powerful Quotes from Diana S. Rice "I love when someone can hold creativity, clinical wisdom, faith, suffering, beauty, and humanity in the same room." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS "But underneath all that, I think many of us are really asking, what is true? Who am I really? Where is God in my suffering? And how do I stop performing long enough to become honest, human, and whole?" — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS "All the signals are signaling out. It's what you're gonna do with it." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS Powerful Quotes from Vanessa Bentley "Because therapists are not made in the classroom, they're made in the fire." — Vanessa Bentley, LPC-MHSP "When you have belief, but not identity, you will always, always be scratching at the surface of what's possible in your relationship with God." — Vanessa Bentley, LPC-MHSP "Mental health is your ability to be in reality without denial, deception, or distortion, and thrive in that place." — Vanessa Bentley, LPC-MHSP Key Takeaways 1. Healing must be built on truth. Vanessa defines mental health as the ability to live in reality without denial, deception, or distortion. For people of faith, this means healing is not about pretending, performing, or avoiding pain. It is about learning to tell the truth with humility, compassion, and courage. 2. Rules are not the same as identity. Faith that is only built on rules can create fear, shame, and performance. Diana and Vanessa explore how true healing requires a deeper foundation: knowing who you are in relationship with God. 3. Questions are not always rebellion. For many people, questioning inherited faith is not about rejecting God. It may be part of moving from a borrowed belief system into a more honest, tested, and mature faith. 4. Spiritual bypassing can keep people stuck. Saying "just pray harder" or "Jesus fixes everything" may sound spiritual, but it can also avoid the real work of grief, trauma, confession, nervous system healing, relational repair, and emotional honesty. 5. Shame heals in truth and relationship. Shame grows in hiding. Healing often begins when we can bring our real story into the light with God, safe people, and sometimes a trained therapist who can help us face reality without condemnation. 6. Christian therapy can be clinically grounded and spiritually honest. This episode does not flatten therapy into self-help or faith into clichés. It invites a deeper integration of theology, psychology, biology, story, and embodied healing. Listener Questions This Episode Helps Answer Can Christian therapy help with trauma? Yes. Christian therapy can help people process trauma, shame, grief, anxiety, and relationship wounds while honoring faith, Scripture, and the whole person. The best care is ethical, clinically grounded, and never uses faith to shame or silence a person's pain. What is spiritual abuse? Spiritual abuse can happen when faith, Scripture, authority, or religious systems are used to control, shame, manipulate, silence questions, or disconnect people from God, self, or safe community. What is the difference between church hurt and losing faith? Church hurt can create confusion, grief, anger, and distrust. But questioning harmful systems does not automatically mean someone has lost faith. Sometimes it means they are trying to separate God from the wounds caused by people or institutions. Why do I feel shame even when I believe in God? Many people intellectually believe they are loved by God but still carry emotional wounds, trauma responses, fear, or a performance-based identity. Healing often involves moving from belief alone into embodied identity, truth, safety, and grace. Can therapy and Christian faith work together? Yes, when done with wisdom and ethical care. Therapy can help people face reality, understand their story, process pain, take responsibility, repair relationships, and live more honestly before God and others. Books and Resources Mentioned Vanessa Bentley's Website https://www.vanessabentley.co The Work of Being Human Podcast with Vanessa Bentley Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-work-of-being-human/id1555914519 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4OSzahM97510fClqYs3ZYt YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheVanessaBentley Vanessa on Instagram @vanessathetherapist: https://www.instagram.com/vanessathetherapist/ @theworkofbeinghuman: https://www.instagram.com/theworkofbeinghuman/ The Toolbox: The Tools We Need to Build Relationships and Repair Them When They Break by Vanessa Londino Vanessa's Book Page: https://www.vanessabentley.co/author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Toolbox-Tools-Build-Relationships-Repair/dp/1736381318 Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis HarperCollins: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/mere-christianity-c-s-lewis Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mere-Christianity-C-S-Lewis/dp/0060652926 The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck Simon & Schuster: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Road-Less-Traveled-Timeless-Edition/M-Scott-Peck/9780743243155 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Traveled-Psychology-Traditional/dp/0671250671 Stages of Faith: The Psychology of Human Development and the Quest for Meaning by James W. Fowler HarperCollins: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/stages-of-faith-james-w-fowler Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Stages-Faith-Psychology-Development-Meaning/dp/0060628669 What a Friend We Have in Jesus Hymnary: https://hymnary.org/text/what_a_friend_we_have_in_jesus_all_our_s Books V

  2. Sep 9

    Ep. 125 - How to Heal After Divorce: Grief, Identity Loss & Emotional Recovery with Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP

    Divorce recovery is about more than ending a marriage. It is about healing grief, rebuilding self-worth, restoring emotional health, processing identity loss, and learning how to move forward after one of life's most difficult transitions. In Episode 125 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana Rice, LMHC, sits down with divorce recovery specialist Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP, to discuss emotional healing after divorce, grief, faith, attachment wounds, people-pleasing patterns, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and practical tools for rebuilding confidence and finding hope again. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal experience, Shirley shares how her own journey through divorce inspired her to create the HER Divorce Recovery Coaching Program, a structured framework designed to help women heal emotionally, renew their minds, strengthen their faith, and rediscover who they are beyond the pain of relationship loss. Together, Diana and Shirley explore the hidden mental health effects of divorce, the stigma many women experience within faith communities, the importance of emotional honesty, healthy boundaries, self-care, nervous system awareness, and why healing requires more than simply "moving on." Whether you're currently navigating separation, healing from a divorce that happened years ago, supporting someone you love, or simply interested in emotional wellness, resilience, personal growth, and the intersection of faith and mental health, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and hope for the journey ahead. In This Episode • How to heal after divorce • The emotional stages of grief after divorce • Identity loss and rebuilding self-worth • Depression, anxiety, shame, and emotional overwhelm • Faith, forgiveness, and healing after divorce • Attachment styles and people-pleasing patterns • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and renewing the mind • Healthy coping skills during major life transitions • Emotional regulation and nervous system awareness • The importance of community, support, and accountability • Red flags that unresolved relationship wounds may still be affecting current relationships • Why healing is a journey—not a quick fix • How to move from surviving to thriving Memorable Quotes "You started understanding how to respond in wisdom instead of reacting in emotion." — Diana Rice, LMHC "The relationship ended, but that doesn't define who you are. It's just part of your story, not your entire story." — Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP Who This Episode Is For This episode is for you if:  You're currently going through a separation or divorce  You're struggling with grief, shame, anger, loneliness, or uncertainty  You're wondering how to rebuild your confidence and identity  You're navigating divorce within a faith community  You're carrying emotional wounds from a past relationship  You're supporting a friend or loved one through divorce  You're looking for practical tools to help you heal and move forward  You're interested in mental health, faith, personal growth, and emotional wellness About Our Guest Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Addiction Professional, Certified Life Coach, and Founder of Holistic Lady Counseling Services. For more than 10 years, she has served individuals, couples, and families within the mental health and substance use field. Today, she specializes in Divorce Recovery Coaching, helping women navigate grief, emotional healing, confidence rebuilding, self-worth restoration, and personal growth after divorce. She is the creator of the HER Divorce Recovery Coaching Program, a comprehensive framework designed to help women Heal, Grow, and Thrive. Resources Mentioned Holistic Lady Counseling Services https://holisticladycounseling.com Learn More About Shirley Barthelemy https://holisticladycounseling.com/official-about-page/ DivorceCare Divorce Recovery Support Groups https://www.divorcecare.org Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com The Holistic Counselor Podcast https://pod.link/1732149496 Connect with Diana Rice Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Founder, Through the Valley Therapy Founder, Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching Host, The Holistic Counselor Podcast Enjoyed This Episode? If this conversation encouraged you, challenged you, or reminded you that healing is possible, please subscribe, follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may be struggling with grief, heartbreak, divorce, identity loss, relationship trauma, or emotional healing. Your reviews help these conversations reach people who feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. Together, we can remind others that they are not alone and that healing is possible. Until next time, remember: you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

  3. Sep 2

    Ep. 124 - Therapy in a Time of Labels: ADHD, Autism, Self-Diagnosis & Finding Your Identity Beyond a Diagnosis with Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan

    What happens when mental health awareness meets social media algorithms? In this thought-provoking episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan, Licensed Psychologist, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), and founder of Peace of Mind Testing and Therapy, to explore one of the most important conversations happening in mental health today: self-diagnosis, therapy culture, psychological testing, neurodiversity, social media, and identity. From TikTok videos about ADHD and autism to viral discussions about anxiety, trauma, executive functioning, and neurodivergence, more people than ever are seeking answers about their mental health. But how do we balance awareness with accuracy? Validation with discernment? Understanding with identity? Together, Diana and Dr. Kerrigan discuss why so many people turn to social media for mental health answers, the role of comprehensive psychological evaluations, how diagnostic labels can both help and hinder growth, and why understanding ourselves should lead to greater freedom—not greater limitation. Whether you're a therapist, parent, educator, student, faith leader, or someone navigating your own mental health journey, this episode offers practical insight, compassion, and hope. In This Episode We Explore • The impact of TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, AI, and social media on mental health awareness • Why ADHD, autism, anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence content is exploding online • The difference between self-diagnosis and professional psychological evaluation • How psychological testing can provide clarity, validation, accommodations, and support • Why many women and adults are being diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life • The role of culture, race, family systems, and lived experience in mental health assessment • How labels can become empowering tools instead of limiting identities • The importance of digital literacy and critical thinking in the age of algorithms • Parenting strategies for raising children in a social media-driven world • How therapists can balance validation, resilience-building, and personal growth Memorable Takeaways "Understanding yourself should lead to greater freedom, greater self-compassion, and greater possibility." A diagnosis is not the end of your story. Psychological evaluations are not designed to put people into boxes. They are designed to provide clarity, uncover strengths, identify challenges, and create a roadmap for support. Social media can offer validation and community, but it should never replace a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional. The goal is not to become your diagnosis. The goal is to better understand yourself so you can move forward with confidence, self-awareness, and appropriate support. About Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan is a Licensed Psychologist, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), and founder of Peace of Mind Testing and Therapy in Wellington, Florida. She specializes in psychological and psychoeducational evaluations for children, teens, and adults, helping individuals gain clarity regarding ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, mood disorders, and neurodivergent presentations. Dr. Kerrigan is passionate about helping individuals understand how they learn, think, process information, and navigate the world. Through evidence-based assessment and compassionate care, she empowers clients to recognize their strengths, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward achieving their personal, academic, and professional goals. Connect with Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan Website: https://www.peaceofmindtestingandtherapy.com Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alyssa-kerrigan-wellington-fl/1058709 Connect with Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com The Holistic Counselor Podcast https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com/holistic-counselor-podcast Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-holistic-counselor/id1732149496 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/throughthevalleytherapy Diana specializes in anxiety, trauma recovery, perfectionism, faith and identity struggles, religious trauma, nervous system regulation, resilience, neuroplasticity, and whole-person healing through an integrative approach that blends neuroscience, evidence-based therapy, and faith-informed care. Resources Mentioned DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)  https://www.parentcenterhub.org/iep-overview/ Neurodiversity-Affirming Care https://www.usa.edu/blog/neurodiversity-affirming-care-what-does-it-mean-for-therapy/ Digital Literacy and Social Media Awareness https://www.digitalrights.community/blog/what-is-digital-literacy  CommonSense Media (Parent Resource) https://www.commonsensemedia.org Understood.org (Learning Differences, ADHD, Dyslexia) https://www.understood.org Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) https://chadd.org Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) https://autisticadvocacy.org American Psychological Association https://www.apa.org National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov If This Episode Helped You Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend, parent, teacher, therapist, pastor, or family member. Every conversation helps reduce stigma, increase understanding, and remind people that they are more than a diagnosis. Remember: You are not your label. You are not your diagnosis. You are a whole person with strengths, challenges, gifts, and a story still being written. And wherever you are on your journey, I hope today's conversation encourages you to keep learning, keep growing, and keep moving forward.

  4. Aug 26

    Ep. 123 - Why Do I Keep Repeating the Same Patterns? Childhood Trauma, Emotional Growth & Authentic Relationships with Mark Levinsky, LMHC

    Why do we keep repeating the same relationship patterns, emotional reactions, and self-sabotaging behaviors—even when we understand where they come from? In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP welcomes Mark Levinsky, MS, LMHC, licensed psychotherapist, life coach, Certified Instructor with The REAL Courses, and founder of Intentional Living Coaching & Counseling Services. Together they explore childhood trauma, family-of-origin influences, emotional maturity, vulnerability, shame, men's mental health, addiction recovery, inner child work, experiential learning, and the connection between faith, psychology, and personal transformation. If you've ever wondered: Why do I keep repeating the same relationship patterns? Why do I feel emotionally stuck? How does childhood trauma affect adulthood? How can I stop reacting and start responding? Why is vulnerability so difficult? What is experiential therapy or experiential learning? How can faith and psychology work together? This conversation offers practical insights and hope. Mark shares how experiential growth work transformed his own life after years of traditional therapy and discusses why understanding our story is important—but often not enough to create lasting change. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of emotional growth, self-awareness, relationship patterns, trauma recovery, community, belonging, forgiveness, and the lifelong process of becoming more fully who God created us to be. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Childhood Trauma & Family Systems How childhood experiences shape adult relationships Family-of-origin patterns Attachment wounds Core beliefs and self-worth Understanding emotional triggers Emotional Growth & Mental Health Emotional maturity Vulnerability and shame Self-awareness Emotional intelligence Emotional sobriety Faith, Psychology & Transformation Personal responsibility Community and belonging Forgiveness Spiritual growth Why perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18) Experiential Growth What experiential learning is How action creates transformation Why insight alone isn't enough Building courage and resilience POWERFUL QUOTES Mark Levinsky, LMHC "To love and be loved. They're starving to be loved, and they want to love." "Understanding is the booby prize." "With action, I believe deeper growth occurs." "The main thing is not to isolate." "Vulnerability is strength." Diana S. Rice, LMHC "Perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:18) "We're trying to understand. It's not blaming." "Learning how to become the parent you needed." "The lessons become blessings. The wounds become wisdom." RESOURCES Mark Levinsky, LMHC Website: https://marklevinsky.com The REAL Courses Official Website: https://therealcourses.com Instructor Directory: https://therealcourses.com/instructors Adlerian Psychology North American Society of Adlerian Psychology: https://www.alfredadler.org Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com Related Episode Episode 103: Why Men Struggle With Emotions with Jon Waller, LMHC YouTube: https://youtu.be/NR_bKRvPc3w?si=4cVJ2y44HkD889LN ABOUT THE HOLISTIC COUNSELOR PODCAST The Holistic Counselor Podcast is where faith, science, and holistic healing intersect. Hosted by Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, the podcast features therapists, physicians, attorneys, pastors, authors, educators, wellness professionals, and advocates exploring mental health, trauma recovery, neuroplasticity, relationships, emotional wellness, faith, personal growth, and whole-person healing. The mission is to challenge stigma, foster meaningful conversations, and provide practical tools that help people grow emotionally, mentally, physically, relationally, and spiritually. SUPPORT THE SHOW If this episode encouraged you:  Leave a review  Share the episode with a friend  Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform  Visit our merch store: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/

  5. Aug 19

    Ep. 122 - Can Christians Have Anxiety? Christian Mental Health, Panic Attacks, Nervous System Healing & Finding Peace with Melissa Fisher, LMHC

    What happens when you genuinely love Jesus… but still struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, overthinking, intrusive thoughts, chronic stress, or emotional exhaustion? In this deeply honest and clinically grounded episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Christian therapist and author Melissa Fisher, LMHC, to explore the intersection of Christian faith, anxiety, trauma, nervous system regulation, burnout, perfectionism, emotional healing, and mental health in the church. Melissa shares her personal story of navigating military life, repeated relocations, panic attacks, self-doubt, and what she describes as a "dark night of the soul," while learning how faith, therapy, neuroscience, breathwork, and emotional healing can work together instead of against one another. Together, Diana and Melissa unpack some of the questions millions of Christians silently wrestle with every day: Can Christians have anxiety? Is anxiety a sin? Why do I still feel anxious if I trust God? What does the Bible actually say about anxiety and peace? Can prayer and therapy work together? How do trauma and chronic stress affect the nervous system? What is high-functioning anxiety? How do perfectionism and people-pleasing fuel anxiety? Can someone intellectually trust God while their body still carries fear? How do we tell the difference between God's voice, wisdom, fear, hypervigilance, and trauma-driven anxiety? This episode also explores: Christian anxiety and panic attacks Nervous system dysregulation Trauma and emotional healing Church hurt and spiritual abuse High-control religion and guilt Breathwork and neuroscience Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Neuroplasticity and rewiring the brain The mind-body connection Faith and mental health Women's mental health and burnout Military family stress Rest, Sabbath, and slowing down Overstimulation, doomscrolling, and social media anxiety Somatic and body-based healing approaches Why emotions are signals—not failures One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes when Melissa shares: "It's never labeled as a sin in the Bible." — Melissa Fisher, LMHC And Diana reflects: "I've started seeing anxiety less as an identity and more as a signal." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Whether you're a therapist, ministry leader, caregiver, military spouse, trauma survivor, person of faith, or simply exhausted from carrying too much for too long, this conversation offers practical tools, honest reflection, and compassionate insight for anyone trying to find peace in an overwhelmed world. About Melissa Fisher, LMHC Melissa Fisher, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Vancouver, Washington, specializing in trauma, anxiety, spiritual formation, and Christian mental health. She has over two decades of experience serving in Christian youth, women's, military, and young adult ministries. Melissa is also the author of Jesus for the Anxious: 8 Weeks of Practicing Peace to Calm Your Worry and Fear, published by Revell, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Melissa Fisher Counseling https://www.melissafishercounseling.com/ Melissa Fisher's Book: Jesus for the Anxious https://www.melissafishercounseling.com/book One Minute Pause App https://wildatheart.org/pause Breathly App https://breathly.app/ Learn More About Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com/ Transform Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com/ Support The Holistic Counselor Podcast + Merch Store https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ About The Holistic Counselor Podcast The Holistic Counselor Podcast is where faith, science, and holistic healing intersect. Hosted by Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, the show explores trauma, neuroscience, relationships, nervous system healing, Christian mental health, emotional wellness, and integrative healing through thoughtful conversations with therapists, physicians, authors, advocates, and wellness experts. Loved This Episode? Please rate, review, and share this episode with someone navigating anxiety, burnout, overthinking, panic, or emotional exhaustion. Your reviews help more people discover these honest and healing conversations. And as always… Trust in the Lord. Guard your heart. Renew your mind.

  6. Aug 12

    Ep. 121 - How to Heal Betrayal Trauma, Porn Addiction, and Rebuild Trust in Relationships with Brannon Patrick, LCSW & Tyler Patrick, LMFT

    What happens when two brothers both become therapists—and dedicate their lives to helping people heal from betrayal trauma, pornography addiction, shame, secrecy, broken trust, and relationship pain? In this deeply honest and powerful episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana sits down with Brannon Patrick, LCSW and Tyler Patrick, LMFT of Therapy Brothers for a raw, compassionate conversation about addiction recovery, betrayal trauma, faith, emotional healing, and what it actually takes to rebuild trust after secrecy and infidelity. Together, they explore why betrayal trauma can feel like PTSD, how shame and secrecy fuel addiction cycles, and why many people struggling with pornography addiction are not "bad people" but hurting humans carrying unresolved pain, loneliness, and disconnection. The conversation also dives into purity culture, high-control religion, emotional safety, grief, attachment wounds, and the healing process for both individuals and couples. Diana, Brannon, and Tyler also discuss Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, DBT, EFT, accountability, self-acceptance, faith deconstruction, and the importance of moving beyond symptom management into true root-cause healing. This episode is filled with practical insight, psychoeducation, hope, humor, honesty, and real conversations many people are secretly searching for but are often too afraid to ask out loud. In This Episode We Discuss: Betrayal trauma and why it can feel like PTSD Porn addiction in both men and women Rebuilding trust after infidelity and secrecy Shame, guilt, and emotional coping Purity culture and high-control religion Healthy sexuality and sexual self-acceptance Faith deconstruction, reconstruction, and spiritual grief Emotional safety and attachment wounds Why accountability matters in recovery The role of grief in relationship healing Root-cause healing vs symptom management Internal Family Systems (IFS) EMDR trauma therapy DBT and emotional regulation EFT and attachment-based couples work Healing through honesty, humility, and connection Memorable Quotes "Protection without the education causes a problem." — Tyler Patrick, LMFT "We don't have sexual self-acceptance, we don't have adequate sex education, but what we do have is the box that you're supposed to fit it in." — Brannon Patrick, LCSW "My sacred text, the Bible, is a mirror—not a weapon." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Resources & Links Mentioned Therapy Brothers Official Website https://therapybrothers.org/ Therapy Brothers Special Listener Page https://therapybrothers.org/the-holistic-counselor  Reclaim Your Heart Healing Journey https://reclaimyourheart.org/ Therapy Modalities Discussed Internal Family Systems (IFS) Official IFS Institute https://ifs-institute.com/ Dr. Tori Olds – IFS Explained https://youtu.be/tNA5qTTxFFA?si=CCCbRhwKGjn1hH2H  EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) EMDR International Association https://www.emdria.org/ DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) Behavioral Tech – DBT Information https://behavioraltech.org/resources/faqs/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt/ EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy https://iceeft.com/ Faith Development Resource Mentioned Fowler's Stages of Faith Development PDF Overview https://www.leaderresources.org/assets/images/Youth/Fowler_FaithDev_chart.pdf   Additional Topics Mentioned Betrayal Trauma Recovery Addiction Recovery Faith Deconstruction & Reconstruction Shame Resilience Attachment Theory Emotional Regulation Trauma Healing Healthy Masculinity Relationship Repair Accountability and Authenticity About the Guests Brannon Patrick, LCSW and Tyler Patrick, LMFT are licensed therapists, brothers, educators, and founders of Therapy Brothers. With over 20 years of experience each in betrayal trauma recovery, sexual addiction treatment, and relationship healing, they help individuals and couples move from shame, secrecy, addiction, and disconnection into honesty, accountability, emotional safety, and authentic connection. Their work focuses on helping people heal the deeper root causes beneath addiction and betrayal—not just manage symptoms. If this episode encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you feel less alone, please take a moment to rate, review, and share The Holistic Counselor Podcast. Your support helps more people find these conversations around faith, trauma, mental health, relationships, and holistic healing.   And don't forget to check out the merch store: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/

  7. Aug 5

    Ep. 120 - Gut Health, Anxiety, Brain Fog & Functional Nutrition: The Gut-Brain Connection Explained with Dr. Annie Lin

    Can gut health affect anxiety, depression, inflammation, brain fog, mood swings, and nervous system regulation? In this deeply thoughtful and grounded conversation, Diana S. Rice sits down with Dr. Annie Lin—Assistant Professor of Nutrition at Nova Southeastern University and functional nutrition practitioner—to explore the powerful connection between nutrition, mental health, trauma, inflammation, and the gut-brain axis. Raised in a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)-influenced household and trained in both clinical nutrition and functional medicine, Dr. Lin bridges ancient healing wisdom with modern science to help people better understand whole-person health in a way that is practical, culturally sensitive, and evidence-informed. Together, Diana and Dr. Lin discuss: The gut-brain connection explained in simple terms How gut health impacts anxiety, depression, mood, and brain fog Chronic stress, trauma, inflammation, and nervous system dysregulation Blood sugar instability and emotional health Functional nutrition vs. diet culture Nutritional psychiatry and integrative mental health Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, Tai Chi, cupping therapy, and Hijama Why food is more than calories—it's information for the body Mindful eating, hydration, sleep, and nervous system support The importance of slowing down in today's fast-paced culture How healing can become nourishing instead of fear-based or shame-based ACE scores, childhood trauma, and whole-person healing Cultural wisdom, immigrant family experiences, and holistic wellness traditions Why healing should be personalized and not one-size-fits-all This episode also explores the importance of honoring wisdom from different cultures while remaining thoughtful, discerning, and grounded in science. If you've been struggling with stress, burnout, digestive symptoms, emotional exhaustion, anxiety, inflammation, or feeling disconnected from your body, this episode offers practical insights and hopeful encouragement for supporting your mental and physical health in a more holistic and sustainable way. Memorable Quotes from the Episode "Food is not just energy, it's information." — Dr. Annie Lin "Healing doesn't have to be so dramatic. It's just slowing down, feeling safer, feeling steadier, feeling more supported." — Dr. Annie Lin "I'm teaching you how to critically think." — Diana S. Rice "Hello there, fearfully and wonderfully made human." — Diana S. Rice About Dr. Annie Lin Dr. Annie Lin is: Assistant Professor in the Department of Nutrition at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine at Nova Southeastern University Doctor of Clinical Nutrition (DCN) Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN) Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (FMCP) Certified in Cupping Therapy / Hijama Born and raised in New York in a Traditional Chinese Medicine-influenced household, Dr. Lin combines functional nutrition, integrative medicine, cultural wisdom, and modern science to support personalized, whole-person health. Connect with Dr. Annie Lin: Dr. Annie Lin LinkedIn Resources, Organizations & Topics Mentioned Metabolic Mind Nova Southeastern University – Department of Nutrition The Holistic Counselor Podcast Fruitful Field ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Information – CDC National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Acupuncture National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Tai Chi Traditional Chinese Medicine Overview – Cleveland Clinic Topics explored throughout this episode include: Gut-brain axis, functional nutrition, nutritional psychiatry, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture, Hijama, trauma and the nervous system, inflammation and mental health, mindful eating, neuroplasticity, blood sugar regulation, immigrant family experiences, holistic healing, integrative mental health, and whole-person wellness. If this episode encouraged you, helped you think differently, or gave you practical tools for healing, please share it with someone you love and leave a review. Reviews help more people find conversations surrounding faith, science, mental health, and holistic healing. Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace individualized medical or mental health care. Please consult your licensed healthcare providers regarding your personal health needs.

  8. Jul 29

    Ep. 119 - Breaking Generational Trauma, Faith, Identity & Holistic Healing w/ Author & Storyteller Angela Golden Bryan

    What happens when storytelling, faith, cultural identity, and holistic wellness come together in one honest conversation? In this powerful episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice sits down with Angela Golden Bryan — Amazon bestselling author, filmmaker, speaker, wellness advocate, and founder of Fireburn Heritage — for a deeply authentic conversation about generational trauma, healing, identity, emotional wellness, storytelling, church hurt, holistic health, and breaking unhealthy cycles. Diana and Angela first met years ago during a completely different season of life while both working in the entertainment and acting world. Now reunited through purpose-driven work, the two explore how our stories, belief systems, family histories, faith experiences, and even the lies we internalize can shape our emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health. Angela shares the powerful history behind the 1878 Fireburn Revolt in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, including the deeply personal discovery that her own great-great-grandmother survived the historical uprising. Together, Diana and Angela discuss how intergenerational trauma, cultural identity, forgiveness, nervous system survival patterns, and community impact the healing journey. This episode also dives into: Generational and intergenerational trauma Identity confusion and cultural belonging Faith and mental health stigma in Christian and BIPOC communities Church hurt and spiritual bypassing Anxiety, burnout, depression, and emotional exhaustion The connection between storytelling and healing How lies and limiting beliefs shape mental health Holistic wellness and mind-body-spirit healing Healthy community, accountability, and emotional support Nervous system regulation and lifestyle healing practices Nutrition, sleep, movement, and sustainable habit change Why healing requires both truth and compassion Angela also opens up about her own health journey that inspired her newest book, Treasure Your Temple, and how holistic wellness, nutrition, faith, and intentional community became part of her healing process. About Angela Golden Bryan Angela Golden Bryan is an Amazon bestselling author, filmmaker, speaker, certified life coach with the John Maxwell Team, and founder of Fireburn Heritage, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and amplifying untold Caribbean stories while contributing to cultural identity, legacy, and generational transformation. She holds master's degrees in Counseling Psychology and Practical Theology and is also a certified holistic health practitioner through Hippocrates Wellness with specialized training in plant-based nutrition and whole-person wellness. Her work focuses on helping individuals break generational patterns, reclaim identity, strengthen faith, and pursue healing across mind, body, and spirit through storytelling, education, wellness advocacy, and cultural preservation. Resources & Links Mentioned Angela Golden Bryan Fireburn Heritage Website Angela Golden Bryan LinkedIn Angela Golden Bryan Instagram Fireburn Heritage Instagram Fireburn Heritage Facebook Treasure Your Temple on Amazon Resources Mentioned During the Episode Celebrate Recovery Grace Alliance GriefShare DivorceCare Dr. Caroline Leaf Hippocrates Wellness Connect with Diana S. Rice Through the Valley Therapy Transform Mind Consulting & Coaching The Holistic Counselor Podcast YouTube Playlist If this episode encouraged you, helped you feel seen, or gave you practical tools for healing, please take a moment to follow, review, and share The Holistic Counselor Podcast with someone who may need it today. Your reviews and shares truly help us continue breaking mental health stigma and reaching more people with conversations centered on faith, science, storytelling, and holistic healing. You can also support the podcast and grab merch here: The Holistic Counselor Podcast Merch Store

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5
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

The Holistic Counselor Podcast is where faith, psychology, and whole-person wellness meet. Hosted by Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS—a licensed mental health counselor, integrative practitioner, and storyteller based in South Florida—this podcast offers grounded, compassionate conversations for anyone seeking emotional healing, mental clarity, spiritual growth, and healthier relationships. Episodes feature a wide range of voices: therapists, physicians, attorneys, pastors, educators, authors, wellness practitioners, and advocates. Together, we explore trauma recovery, nervous system health, neuroplasticity, boundaries, identity, spiritual formation, church hurt, anxiety, resilience, integrative wellness, creativity, and the real stories that shape us. Some conversations reflect Diana's Christian perspective and theology; others center on clinical insight, cultural context, or holistic practices. All episodes share the same intention: reducing stigma, elevating mental-health literacy, honoring diverse lived experiences, and supporting whole-person transformation. This podcast is a safe space for clinicians, faith leaders, creatives, parents, and anyone on a healing journey—whether you come from a church background, a deconstructing season, a holistic wellness path, or simply curiosity about mental and emotional health. Florida therapy services: www.throughthevalleytherapy.com (Florida residents only) Consulting, coaching, and educational work: www.transformedmindcc.com Support the podcast and help keep it independent by visiting the merch store: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ Educational only; not therapy, diagnosis, or medical care.

Information

  • Creator
    Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    129
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024, Diana Rice, All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    The Holistic Counselor

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