The Hatherleigh Behavioral Health Podcast

Hatherleigh Behavioral Health

The Hatherleigh Behavioral Health Podcast brings mental health professionals together through insightful, expert-led conversations each month. Designed to foster connection, collaboration, and continuing education, this podcast explores emerging trends in behavioral health, spotlights innovative practices, and elevates voices across the mental health community. Each episode features thought-provoking discussions with leading clinicians, researchers, and educators—along with listener Q&A, practical takeaways, and updates on new learning resources from Hatherleigh.

  1. 11/21/2025

    "Transforming Chronic Pain Care" with Expert Michael Kriegel, PhD

    Chronic pain is more than a physical issue—it’s a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. In this conversation, Dr. Michael Kriegel, a pioneer in interdisciplinary pain management (IPM), shares how a team-based, holistic approach can break the vicious cycle of pain and restore lives.What Is Interdisciplinary Pain Management? Unlike traditional siloed care, IPM brings together physicians, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, and nurses to treat the whole person. Programs combine education, movement therapy, psychological support, and group sessions—empowering patients to take control of their pain. Why It MattersChronic pain often spirals into inactivity, depression, and fear of movement (kinesiophobia). Trauma and unresolved psychological distress frequently amplify pain. Dr. Kriegel emphasizes trauma-informed care and innovative techniques like myofascial release to address these root causes.Key ChallengesOpioid Overuse: Long-term use can worsen pain through hyperalgesia, making alternative strategies essential. Insurance Barriers: Current reimbursement models discourage integrated care, limiting access despite proven success. Training Gaps: Few formal programs exist for IPM, creating a shortage of qualified clinicians. Why Group Therapy Works Social support and peer encouragement in group settings help patients rebuild trust, hope, and resilience—critical for those failed by conventional medicine.Future DirectionsIPM isn’t just for pain—it’s a blueprint for managing other complex chronic conditions. Early intervention, patient education, and systemic reform could reduce costs and improve quality of life. Bottom Line Dr. Kriegel’s vision is clear: treat chronic pain with a comprehensive, team-based approach that addresses body, mind, and social context. It’s challenging—but profoundly rewarding.

    54 min
  2. 11/21/2025

    "Calming Teenage Anxiety" with Expert Sophia Galano, LCSW

    Buy Sophia's book: https://a.co/d/2946NjHThis podcast features Sophia Galano, LCSW author of "Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry and Stress". Drawing from her clinical experience, Sophia emphasizes the importance of supporting both teens and their parents in managing anxiety. Sophia Galano offers a compassionate, practical framework for families navigating teenage anxiety. Her focus on empathetic communication, nuanced understanding of anxiety, and modern challenges like social media equips parents and clinicians to support teens effectively. By emphasizing collaboration, self-awareness, and hope, Sophia’s approach encourages families to take small, meaningful steps toward healing.Highlights🌟 Sophia Galano is a licensed clinical social worker and author of "Calming Teenage Anxiety". 🧠 Teen anxiety is often mistaken for typical adolescent behavior. 🎧 Active listening and empathetic communication are key for parents. 📱 Social media and tech are major stressors; modification is better than prohibition. 🏫 School counselors navigate student needs, parental anxiety, and policy constraints. 👨‍👩‍👧 Holistic treatment includes therapy for teens and families, plus parental self-reflection. 🌈 Sophia’s approach centers on hope, patience, and practical strategies.Key Insights👩‍⚕️ Accessible guidance for all parents: Sophia’s book fills a gap by offering clear, non-clinical advice for parents regardless of educational background. It demystifies mental health support and provides step-by-step tools for communication and understanding. 🔍 Recognizing anxiety vs. typical teen behavior: Parents often dismiss anxiety as “teen angst.” Sophia encourages careful observation of frequency, intensity, and impact on functioning to determine when help is needed. 🗣️ Listening over fixing: Teens need to feel heard, not corrected. Sophia promotes active listening—open-ended questions, reflective responses, and non-judgmental dialogue—to build trust and emotional safety. 📵 Managing tech with nuance: Rather than banning social media, Sophia suggests modifying use—following uplifting accounts, muting stressors, and co-creating boundaries. This fosters autonomy and reduces secrecy. 🏫 Schools as support systems: Counselors face resource limitations and policy challenges. Sophia recommends creative strategies (e.g., walking sessions), empathy for parents, and firm boundaries to support students effectively. 👥 Parental anxiety matters: Teens often mirror their parents’ stress. Sophia urges parents to reflect on their own behaviors and seek support, recognizing that family dynamics play a key role in teen mental health. 💪 Resilience through gradual progress: Anxiety management is a journey. Sophia emphasizes celebrating small wins, tolerating imperfection, and empowering teens to take ownership of their coping strategies.

    52 min

About

The Hatherleigh Behavioral Health Podcast brings mental health professionals together through insightful, expert-led conversations each month. Designed to foster connection, collaboration, and continuing education, this podcast explores emerging trends in behavioral health, spotlights innovative practices, and elevates voices across the mental health community. Each episode features thought-provoking discussions with leading clinicians, researchers, and educators—along with listener Q&A, practical takeaways, and updates on new learning resources from Hatherleigh.