The Mental Health Toolbox Podcast

Patrick Martin

Welcome to The Mental Health Toolbox podcast, where our mission is to empower therapists and enlighten individuals on their mental health journey. My name is Patrick Martin, your host, I am an LCSW, AKA psychotherapist by trade. As a dedicated therapist, I have always believed in the power of knowledge and resources in the field of mental health. Recognizing the need for a space that bridges the gap between professionals and those seeking help, The Mental Health Toolbox was born. Our aim is to equip other therapists with effective tools to enhance their practice and service delivery. We understand the importance of staying updated with the latest research, techniques, and trends in mental health. Therefore, we curate high-quality, evidence-based resources, ensuring you have the best tools at your disposal. Simultaneously, we are committed to educating consumers with essential knowledge to thrive. We believe that everyone deserves access to reliable, understandable, and actionable mental health information. Our resources are designed to demystify mental health, promoting understanding, empathy, and self-care. Through our Newsletter, Blog, Podcast, YouTube Channel, Workbooks, and Courses, we hope to create a community that fosters learning, growth, and wellness. Each edition will bring you insightful articles, tips, interviews, and advice to support your journey, whether you're a mental health professional seeking to enhance your practice or an individual striving for better mental well-being. Join us at The Mental Health Toolbox as we work together to build a world where mental health care is effective, accessible, and understood by all. Let's learn, grow, and thrive together.

  1. 3D AGO

    The Holistic Blueprint to Scaling a Group Practice with Ruth Robles, LMFT

    Ep. 135 🌟 FREE RESOURCE FOR CLINICIANS: Move from isolation to impact with my Community-Centric Practice Blueprint. Download it here: https://thementalhealthtoolbox.com/building%20a%20community%20centric%20practice%20blueprint    🍿 WATCH THE VIDEO INTERVIEW ▶️ Growing a private practice doesn't have to mean "scaling for profit" at the expense of your soul. In this episode of the Mental Health Toolbox, Patrick Martin, LCSW, sits down with Ruth Robles, LMFT, owner of the SOL Center in Glendora, CA. Ruth shares how she built a thriving group practice by focusing on community-centric networking and integrating holistic modalities like Reiki and Sound Baths to help clients heal from trauma. Whether you're a clinician looking to grow your impact or a local resident seeking holistic wellness, this conversation offers a blueprint for growth rooted in connection. 📍 PROUDLY SERVING THE SAN GABRIEL VALLEY: The SOL Center provides holistic mental health support for individuals and families in: Glendora, CA 91740 Covina, CA 91724 San Dimas, CA Surrounding areas: La Verne, Azusa, and Charter Oak. 📝 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: The "Unicorn" Practice Model: Why Ruth takes various forms of Medi-Cal and HMOs to ensure community accessibility. Holistic Integration: How to blend Eastern medicine (Reiki Master, Sound Healing) with traditional psychotherapy. Local Networking: The secret to building relationships with school districts and local organizations. Somatic Healing for Trauma: How sound vibrations and energy work regulate the nervous system. Scaling with Heart: Moving from a solo office to a multi-room wellness hub. 🔗 CONNECT WITH RUTH ROBLES & THE SOL CENTER: Website: https://www.soulcenterroute66.com/ Instagram: @soulcenterroute66 Location: Glendora, CA (The Pride of the Foothills) 🛠 RESOURCES FOR "HELPER NATION": The Mental Health Toolbox: https://thementalhealthtoolbox.com/ Subscribe: Join our community of clinicians growing their heart-centered businesses. #GlendoraCA #MentalHealthGlendora #CovinaCA #SanDimas #TherapistMarketing #PrivatePracticeGrowth #ReikiHealing #SoundBath #TraumaInformed #LCSW #LMFT #HelperNation #MentalHealthToolbox   🔑 ALL ACCESS PASS (VIP): Unlock every worksheet, course, and therapy handout in the library instantly:  🛍️ SHOP: Workbooks, Journals, E-Books, Therapy Worksheets and Handouts: 📩 JOIN THE FREE NEWSLETTER: Get weekly tips on the art and business of therapy delivered to your inbox:   ♦️ Recommended Tools for Your Practice - 👉 TherapyNotes (EHR): The practice management system I personally use for clean notes, billing, and scheduling. [Get started with a free trial here] or just use  ➡️ Promo code "toolbox".   - 👉  ThriveCart (Course Hosting): The platform I use to host the All Access Pass and sell my digital products (one-time fee!). [See the lifetime deal] 💰  - 👉 StreamYard (Live Video): The easiest browser-based tool for professional video creation and live streaming for your YouTube or social channels. [Check out StreamYard] 🎥  - 👉 Essential Toolkit (Office Gear): My LCSW-approved list of practical office essentials and therapy tools. [Browse the toolkit] 🧰 - 👉 Curated Reading List (Books): My top recommended books for building clinical skills and a thriving practice. [Browse the library] 📚 ♦️ 🖐 Have a question? Submit your questions and feedback here: #patrickmartinlcsw  #thementalhealthtoolbox  #mentalhealth  #TherapistSelfCare #privatepractice  #MentalHealthToolbox #burnoutprevention  #counseling  #Psychotherapy #boundaries  #lcsw ♦️ Disclaimer: ⚠️*Some of the links are affiliate links: As an Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases by way of commission at no additional cost to you.

    51 min
  2. 11/29/2025

    The Boundary Therapists Forget to Set, with Brittany H. Bennett, LMHC

    Ep. 134 ✍️👇 GRAB YOUR SELF-CARE STRATEGY HANDOUT 👇 Scan the QR code in the video or click here to download the "Intentional Therapist" workbook from our resource library: 🔑 ALL ACCESS PASS (VIP): Unlock every worksheet, course, and therapy handout in the library instantly:  🛍️ SHOP: Workbooks, Journals, E-Books, Therapy Worksheets and Handouts: 📩 JOIN THE FREE NEWSLETTER: Get weekly tips on the art and business of therapy delivered to your inbox: Stop "kicking the can" of self-care down the road. 🛑 If you feel like you're constantly pouring from an empty cup, this episode is your permission slip to change the narrative. In this episode of The Mental Health Toolbox, Patrick Martin, LCSW, sits down with Brittany H. Bennett, LMHC, author of Self-ish is the New Selfless. Together, they dismantle the toxic "martyr mentality" in the therapy profession and explore why being "self-ish" (connected to self) is actually the most selfless thing you can do for your clients. We go beyond the clichés of bubble baths and candles to discuss high-level strategies for preventing therapist burnout, including how to treat your time like a financial budget and why therapy should be a proactive investment, not a last resort.   🤝 Connect with Brittany: -https://www.minnect.com/ -IG: https://www.instagram.com/britthannahb/ -Get her Book: SELF-ISH is the new SELFLESS: Your pocketbook guide to feeling GOOD without all the GUILT!  https://amzn.to/4iyucPS --- ♦️ Recommended Tools for Your Practice - 👉 TherapyNotes (EHR): The practice management system I personally use for clean notes, billing, and scheduling. [Get started with a free trial here] or just use  ➡️ Promo code "toolbox".   - 👉  ThriveCart (Course Hosting): The platform I use to host the All Access Pass and sell my digital products (one-time fee!). [See the lifetime deal] 💰  - 👉 StreamYard (Live Video): The easiest browser-based tool for professional video creation and live streaming for your YouTube or social channels. [Check out StreamYard] 🎥  - 👉 Essential Toolkit (Office Gear): My LCSW-approved list of practical office essentials and therapy tools. [Browse the toolkit] 🧰 - 👉 Curated Reading List (Books): My top recommended books for building clinical skills and a thriving practice. [Browse the library] 📚 ♦️ 🖐 Have a question? Submit your questions and feedback here: #patrickmartinlcsw  #thementalhealthtoolbox  #mentalhealth  #TherapistSelfCare #privatepractice  #MentalHealthToolbox #burnoutprevention  #counseling  #Psychotherapy #boundaries  #lcsw ♦️ Disclaimer: ⚠️*Some of the links are affiliate links: As an Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases by way of commission at no additional cost to you. ****************** LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item ================================================= This license certificate documents a license to use the item listed below. Item Title:                      For Interview Item ID:                         3SLHAB2 Item License Code:               DZ5WJFTN3V

    48 min
  3. 10/24/2025

    Why This Hollywood Actor Quit to Become a Therapist (The Truth About Ego & Success) - Sasha Feldman, AMFT

    Ep. 133 ▶️ WATCH THE VIDEO: 🛍️ THERAPY HANDOUTS: ALL ACCESS PASS** https://mht.thrivecart.com/all-access-pass/   What if the skills used to bring a character to life on a Hollywood set could be the key to unlocking profound healing for our clients? What happens when we move beyond the 'script' of traditional talk therapy and into the realm of embodied, spontaneous transformation? My guest today has lived that exact journey. Sasha Feldman is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate who began his career as a successful Hollywood actor. But after growing disillusioned with the formulaic, ego-driven nature of the industry, he discovered a powerful calling in the world of therapy—specifically, through the transformative practice of psychodrama. In this powerful conversation, Sasha shares his incredible story of moving from audition rooms to addiction centers. We explore the immense pressure, the loss of self, and the spiritual search that led him to trade in his acting career for a more fulfilling path of service. Sasha reveals how the core principles of acting, when stripped of ego, become a remarkable vehicle for healing trauma. For therapists, this episode is packed with insights on: Navigating career transitions when your values no longer align with your profession. The psychological toll of high-pressure, ego-centric environments. Harnessing concepts like "Wu Wei" (effortless action) to find your true calling. The clinical importance of "rupture and repair" in the therapeutic relationship. Embracing humility and patience in our work with clients. Join us as we explore how to help our clients (and ourselves) rewrite their stories in ways we never thought possible. Learn more about Sasha Feldman: ► Psychology Today Profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sasha-feldman-los-angeles-ca/1308587 ► IMDB Profile: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3680453/  ► https://menachempsychotherapygroup.com/ **** 🛍️ THERAPY HANDOUTS: ALL ACCESS PASS   🛍️ SHOP: Workbooks, Journals, E-Books, Therapy Worksheets and Handouts:    ⏺️ Check Out STREAMYARD: What I use for recording my Podcasts, Livesteams, Videos 🎥   🙋🏻‍♂️ For More Tools To Thrive: Follow @TheMentalHealthToolbox   🌎 Website: https://thementalhealthtoolbox.com   ♦️ LEARN MORE WITH THE MHT 👇 ☕️ Find all my channel, product and Promo links here:    ✅ Subscribe to the MHT Newsletter and stay informed when new content is released, and get My FREE TOOLS as my gift to you:    ♦️ 👏 If you liked this episode, be sure to check out my full playlist of guided meditations here   ♦️ 🖐 Have a question? Submit your questions and feedback here:   📝 NEED AN EHR? I recommend THERAPYNOTES: Get your FREE TRIAL now, just use the link or promo code: 👉Link:  https://bit.ly/3ykbeJy 👉Promo code "toolbox".     #patrickmartinlcsw #thementalhealthtoolbox #mentalhealth   ♦️ Disclaimer:   ⚠️*Some of the links are affiliate links: As an Associate I earn from qualifying purchases by way of commission at no additional cost to you.   LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title:                      Podcast Music On Item ID:                         LE79TGU Item License Code:               VG95JQ2RWH Item Title:                      For Interview Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/for-interview-3SLHAB2 Item ID:                         3SLHAB2 Item License Code:               C5XHKULJ3V

    1h 4m
  4. 08/31/2025

    Surviving Back To School Anxiety: Therapist Backed Advice for Parents & Teens

    Ep. 132 Struggling with back-to-school anxiety? This therapist-backed guide gives parents and teens proven strategies to transform worry into confidence. ⬇️ HANDOUT: Back To School Anxiety Plan Worksheet Struggling with back-to-school anxiety? In this episode, a certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Patrick Martin, shares practical, therapist-backed strategies to help both parents and teens manage anxiety as the school year begins. Learn how to spot the signs, apply proven coping techniques, and foster a supportive environment at home and in the classroom. What You'll Learn: ♦️ How to recognize the difference between normal nerves and clinical anxiety ♦️ Step-by-step CBT strategies for immediate relief ♦️ Tools for parents to support anxious kids ♦️ Self-help tips for teens facing school stress ♦️ When to seek professional support   🛍️ THERAPY HANDOUTS: ALL ACCESS PASS   🛍️ SHOP: Workbooks, Journals, E-Books, Therapy Worksheets and Handouts:    ⏺️ Check Out STREAMYARD: What I use for recording my Podcasts, Livesteams, Videos 🎥   🙋🏻‍♂️ For More Tools To Thrive: Follow @TheMentalHealthToolbox   🌎 Website: https://thementalhealthtoolbox.com   ♦️ LEARN MORE WITH THE MHT 👇 ☕️ Find all my channel, product and Promo links here:    ✅ Subscribe to the MHT Newsletter and stay informed when new content is released, and get My FREE TOOLS as my gift to you:    ♦️ 👏 If you liked this episode, be sure to check out my full playlist of guided meditations here   ♦️ 🖐 Have a question? Submit your questions and feedback here:   📝 NEED AN EHR? I recommend THERAPYNOTES: Get your FREE TRIAL now, just use the link or promo code: 👉Link:  https://bit.ly/3ykbeJy 👉Promo code "toolbox".     #patrickmartinlcsw #thementalhealthtoolbox #mentalhealth   ♦️ Disclaimer:   ⚠️*Some of the links are affiliate links: As an Associate I earn from qualifying purchases by way of commission at no additional cost to you.   Item Title:                      For Interview Item URL:                        https://elements.envato.com/for-interview-3SLHAB2 Licensee:                        PATRICK MARTIN L.C.S.W. Item License Code:               WJLBF93RNV

    15 min
  5. 07/20/2025

    Turning TRAUMA into TRIUMPH After Spinal Cord Injury - With Michael Musgrove, LCSW-S

    Ep. 131 How can therapists effectively support clients with disabilities without being condescending or diminishing their autonomy? 🎁 FREE HANDOUT: Thriving With A Disability: Resource Guide: https://mht.thrivecart.com/thriving-with-a-disability-resources/   ▶️ WATCH THE VIDEO:  When working with clients facing profound life transitions or physical challenges, finding the balance between validation and challenge is crucial for maintaining the therapeutic alliance. In honor of Disability Pride Month (July), we explore how to navigate these sensitive waters and empower clients to find resilience and meaning in adversity. In this powerful episode of The Mental Health Toolbox, Patrick Martin, LCSW, speaks with Michael Musgrove, LCSW, a therapist whose life was irrevocably changed at age 17 by a broken neck and spinal cord injury. Now quadriplegic and wheelchair-bound for 45 years, Michael shares his extraordinary journey of turning profound suffering into a superpower. He offers a unique dual perspective—combining his clinical expertise as an LCSW with his decades of lived experience—on thriving despite overwhelming obstacles.   🛍️ THERAPY HANDOUTS: ALL ACCESS PASS   🛍️ SHOP: Workbooks, Journals, E-Books, Therapy Worksheets and Handouts:    ⏺️ Check Out STREAMYARD: What I use for recording my Podcasts, Livesteams, Videos 🎥   🙋🏻‍♂️ For More Tools To Thrive: Follow @TheMentalHealthToolbox   🌎 Website: https://thementalhealthtoolbox.com   ♦️ LEARN MORE WITH THE MHT 👇 ☕️ Find all my channel, product and Promo links here:    ✅ Subscribe to the MHT Newsletter and stay informed when new content is released, and get My FREE TOOLS as my gift to you:    ♦️ 👏 If you liked this episode, be sure to check out my full playlist of guided meditations here   ♦️ 🖐 Have a question? Submit your questions and feedback here:   📝 NEED AN EHR? I recommend THERAPYNOTES: Get your FREE TRIAL now, just use the link or promo code: 👉Link:  https://bit.ly/3ykbeJy 👉Promo code "toolbox".     #patrickmartinlcsw #thementalhealthtoolbox #mentalhealth   ♦️ Disclaimer:   ⚠️*Some of the links are affiliate links: As an Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases by way of commission at no additional cost to you. LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item ================================================= Item Title: For Interview Item License Code:9BRK3PQG52 Item Title: Podcast Music On Item License Code: S2XKFZDYPG

    57 min
  6. 07/10/2025

    Emotional Eating: Break The Cycle, with Marla Mervis-Hartmann

    Ep. 130 Are your clients (or even you) stuck in the painful cycle of emotional eating?  🎁 FREE DOWNLOAD THERAPY HANDOUT: Overcoming Emotional Eating & Negative Body Image: https://mht.thrivecart.com/overcoming-emotional-eating/   ▶️ WATCH THE VIDEO INTERVIEW:    It's a common struggle that goes far beyond food, impacting our self-worth, our relationships, and our ability to feel at peace in our own skin. In this episode of The Mental Health Toolbox, I sit down with Marla Mervis-Hartmann, best-selling author of "BE-Friend Yourself," a TEDx speaker, and a leading expert on body image and food freedom. Marla shares her powerful blend of coaching, personal insight, and spiritual practices to provide a clear roadmap for healing. We explore tangible tools for breaking the cycle of emotional eating, discuss how negative body image creates barriers to deep connection, and uncover how spirituality can be a profound ally in making peace with our bodies. 📌 Get the FREE companion handout for this episode! I've created a downloadable handout summarizing the key strategies and takeaways from this interview, perfect for use in your therapy practice.    🛍️ THERAPY HANDOUTS: ALL ACCESS PASS   🛍️ SHOP: Workbooks, Journals, E-Books, Therapy Worksheets and Handouts:    ⏺️ Check Out STREAMYARD: What I use for recording my Podcasts, Livesteams, Videos 🎥   🙋🏻‍♂️ For More Tools To Thrive: Follow @TheMentalHealthToolbox   🌎 Website: https://thementalhealthtoolbox.com   ♦️ LEARN MORE WITH THE MHT 👇 ☕️ Find all my channel, product and Promo links here:    ✅ Subscribe to the MHT Newsletter and stay informed when new content is released, and get My FREE TOOLS as my gift to you:    ♦️ 👏 If you liked this episode, be sure to check out my full playlist of guided meditations here   ♦️ 🖐 Have a question? Submit your questions and feedback here:   📝 NEED AN EHR? I recommend THERAPYNOTES: Get your FREE TRIAL now, just use the link or promo code: 👉Link:  https://bit.ly/3ykbeJy 👉Promo code "toolbox".     #patrickmartinlcsw #thementalhealthtoolbox #mentalhealth   ♦️ Disclaimer:   ⚠️*Some of the links are affiliate links: As an Associate I earn from qualifying purchases by way of commission at no additional cost to you.   MUSIC LICENSE CERTIFICATE: Envato Elements Item Item Title:                      For Interview Item ID:                         3SLHAB2 Item License Code:               74V5ARW6PF

    49 min
  7. 06/13/2025

    Set Stronger Boundaries: 6 Key Domains

    Ep. 129 🎁⬇️ Boundary Essentials: Free Therapy Handout: https://mht.thrivecart.com/boundary-essentials/ Learn the 6 key domains of personal boundaries to improve your relationships and well-being. From physical space to emotional limits, we cover it all! Feeling overwhelmed or taken advantage of? It might be time to explore your personal boundaries! In this video, Patrick Martin, LCSW from The Mental Health Toolbox, breaks down what boundaries are, the different types, and why setting healthy boundaries is crucial for your mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Learn to protect your energy and cultivate self-respect.   ▶️ WATCH THE VIDEO:   🛍️ THERAPY HANDOUTS: ALL ACCESS PASS   ⏺️ Check Out STREAMYARD: What I use for recording my Podcasts, Livesteams, Videos 🎥   🙋🏻‍♂️ For More Tools To Thrive: Follow @TheMentalHealthToolbox   🌎 Website: https://thementalhealthtoolbox.com   ♦️ LEARN MORE WITH THE MHT 👇 ☕️ Find all my channel, product and Promo links here:    ✅ Subscribe to the MHT Newsletter and stay informed when new content is released, and get My FREE TOOLS as my gift to you:    🛍️ SHOP: Workbooks, Journals, E-Books, Therapy Worksheets and Handouts:    ♦️ 👏 If you liked this episode, be sure to check out my full playlist of guided meditations here   ♦️ 🖐 Have a question? Submit your questions and feedback here:   📝 NEED AN EHR? I recommend THERAPYNOTES: Get your FREE TRIAL now, just use the link or promo code: 👉Link:  https://bit.ly/3ykbeJy 👉Promo code "toolbox".     #patrickmartinlcsw #thementalhealthtoolbox #mentalhealth   ♦️ Disclaimer:   ⚠️*Some of the links are affiliate links: As an Associate I earn from qualifying purchases by way of commission at no additional cost to you.

    12 min
4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Mental Health Toolbox podcast, where our mission is to empower therapists and enlighten individuals on their mental health journey. My name is Patrick Martin, your host, I am an LCSW, AKA psychotherapist by trade. As a dedicated therapist, I have always believed in the power of knowledge and resources in the field of mental health. Recognizing the need for a space that bridges the gap between professionals and those seeking help, The Mental Health Toolbox was born. Our aim is to equip other therapists with effective tools to enhance their practice and service delivery. We understand the importance of staying updated with the latest research, techniques, and trends in mental health. Therefore, we curate high-quality, evidence-based resources, ensuring you have the best tools at your disposal. Simultaneously, we are committed to educating consumers with essential knowledge to thrive. We believe that everyone deserves access to reliable, understandable, and actionable mental health information. Our resources are designed to demystify mental health, promoting understanding, empathy, and self-care. Through our Newsletter, Blog, Podcast, YouTube Channel, Workbooks, and Courses, we hope to create a community that fosters learning, growth, and wellness. Each edition will bring you insightful articles, tips, interviews, and advice to support your journey, whether you're a mental health professional seeking to enhance your practice or an individual striving for better mental well-being. Join us at The Mental Health Toolbox as we work together to build a world where mental health care is effective, accessible, and understood by all. Let's learn, grow, and thrive together.