The Mental Health Entrepreneur Rachel Harrison

Brie Overton, Chief Clinical Officer of Experience Camps, discusses the nationwide nonprofit organization that provides grief support for children who have lost a loved one. Through one-week overnight camps and various other programs, Experience Camps offers a safe and supportive environment for kids to process their grief, connect with others who have had similar experiences, and learn coping strategies. Brie shares the transformative impact of the camps and their vision to expand their reach to more children in need. All of their services are provided free of charge.
 
About Brie Overton:
Brianne “Brie” Overton is the Chief Clinical Officer of Experience Camps, a national nonprofit that provides no-fee, clinically informed programs for kids who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver – as well as resources and advocacy so all grieving children can live a life rich with possibility. Brie received her MA in Thanatology from Hood College, her M.Ed in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Missouri - St. Louis, and is a doctoral candidate in counseling at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. She has spent 16 years in the field of thanatology providing grief education, support, counseling, death education, suicide prevention and intervention, and consultation.
 
amenclinics.com/team/karen-mayo
 
 
Episode Timestamps:
(02:00) Details about Experience Camps and the support provided (05:05) How Experience Camp is different from joining a grief group or therapy (08:00) The transformation that takes place during the week-long stay at camp (13:40) Additional ways kids can stay connected outside of camp and throughout the year (17:10) Brie’s connection to grief and her mission to help others (19:20) Future visions and goals of Experience Camps (23:45) Understanding that kids grieve differently than adults  
 
Connect with Rachel:
Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Integrative nutritionist and best-selling author, Karen Mayo, shares her personal journey of how changing her nephew's diet improved his academic performance and overall well-being. Karen emphasizes the importance of blood flow and how certain foods can increase or decrease it. She also provides tips for incorporating healthier choices into daily life, such as increasing water intake and adding greens to meals. Karen's goal is to promote brain health and inspire individuals to take small steps towards improving their overall wellness.
 
About Karen Mayo:
Karen Mayo, Integrative Nutritionist, is currently working out of Amen Clinics New York. She’s an Award-Winning International Best-Selling Author of “Mindful Eating” Thirty Days to A Whole New You. She has authored two more books and you may have seen her a couple of times on the Dr. Oz Show or The Jack Canfield Show. Karen appeared on the TEDx stage “Mindful Eating with Mayo.” She taught at Columbia University; nutrition and healthcare today. Karen Mayo makes the complexities of nutrition accessible by zeroing in on the essentials and offering practical suggestions you can immediately implement into your daily routine. 
 
amenclinics.com/team/karen-mayo
 
 
Episode Timestamps:
(02:20) The need for additional resources for mental health (03:45) The wheel of wellness (04:50) Karen’s journey into the field of nutrition (07:40) Nutritional deficiencies in children today (09:00) How nutrition impacts the brain (11:10) Foods that increase your blood flow (15:10) Growing up on a farm and learning the importance of quality foods (17:40) Simple steps to feeling better (18:50) Karen’s plans for the future  
 
Connect with Rachel:
Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Sergeant John Haddaway, Peer Support and Wellness Manager with the Baltimore County Police Department, discusses the importance of mental wellness among first responders and the need to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the field. He shares his personal experiences and explains the acute and cumulative trauma that first responders face on a daily basis. John also highlights the Mobile Crisis Team, a co-responder model that pairs police officers with clinicians to provide crisis intervention and support to individuals in mental health crises. 
 
About Sgt. John Haddaway:
Sergeant John Haddaway has been a member of the Baltimore County Police Department for 23 years. During that time, he has served in patrol assignments, community resources, homeland security, civil disturbance, dignitary and witness protection, crisis response, and he is currently the Department’s peer support and wellness manager. Sgt. Haddaway serves part-time on the Department’s Dignitary Witness Protection Team and Special Response Team in addition to his primary assignment. He also provides training related to emergency management, terrorism/counterterrorism, critical incident response, stress and resiliency, firearms, and tactics. Sgt. Haddaway is also a veteran of the Maryland Army National Guard where he served in several roles including infantry, morale/welfare/readiness, and recruiting and retention. He has a Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.
 
 
Episode Timestamps:
(02:20) Mobile Crisis Team: Co-responder model for mental health crisis response (04:50) Evolution of mental health support in law enforcement (07:20) Impact of crisis intervention training on de-escalation and diversion 10:20) How experiencing trauma first-hand allowed John to empathize with trauma victims (14:15) Destigmatizing mental health in the field (17:50) Addressing trauma in first responders and its impact on decision-making (24:10) John’s aspirations for expanding the program and collaborating with other departments (28:10) Encouragement to talk to people and provide support  
 
Connect with Rachel:
Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796

Gina Strauss, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, discusses the power of nature in promoting mental and physical well-being. She explains that our disconnection from the natural world has had a profound impact on our health, and Nature Informed Therapy aims to reconnect us with nature as a co-therapist. Gina explains the science behind the calming effects of nature and the importance of intentionality in our relationship with the natural world. She also shares her vision for bringing nature informed therapy to children and families to help build resilience and provide healing.
 
About Gina Strauss:
For over 30 years, Gina has worked as an advisor, counselor and teacher in a variety of educational settings with children, adolescents, and adults. She currently works as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) at Chesapeake Mental Health Collaborative and as the Program Coordinator and Senior Faculty Member for the Center for Nature Informed Therapy. In addition to her M.A. degree in Counseling Psychology from Towson University, she has a M.A.degree in Applied Healing Arts from Maryland University of Integrative Health (formerly Tai Sophia Institute) which adds a unique perspective to her clinical approach. In her personal life and through her professional experience as a certified nature informed therapist, Gina partners with the wisdom of Nature and inspires others to do the same. She enjoys working with children, teens, and adults and brings an awareness of cultural sensitivity to her practice.
 
natureinformedtherapy.com
cmhcweb.com
Use promo code "MHEP10" for 10% off any CMHC event and CNIT booking. (Must be booked by 8/1)
 
Episode Timestamps:
(02:30) Nature informed therapy and its focus on reconnecting with nature (05:35) Developing a relationship with nature and its therapeutic benefits (10:30) Gina’s personal journey into nature informed therapy and the connection to animals and trees (12:20) Center for Nature Informed Therapy and its training program (14:35) The science behind nature's calming effects (20:00) Different ways nature informed therapy is being used (25:35) Nature informed therapy vs. regular outdoor activities (28:00) Qualifications for attending the training (29:30) Gina's vision for the future of nature informed therapy  
 
Connect with Rachel:
Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796
 
 
Listen to the Back Porch Bestie podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-porch-bestie/id1687988106

Jeff Strong, the founder of the Strong Institute, shares his journey of using drum beats for therapeutic benefits. As a hyperactive child, syncopation exercises helped him channel his behavior and improve his academic focus. Jeff explains the neurology of drumming and how it can create a relaxed brainwave state which can help individuals with autism and ADHD. Jeff also discusses the development of the Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention™ program, as well as  Brain Stim Audio, a streaming music site for various mental health needs. 
 
About Jeff Strong:
Jeff Strong is the founder and director of the Strong Institute, a leader in the field of auditory brain stimulation research and therapies. Known primarily for their work with individuals on the autism spectrum, the Institute also has a major impact on ADHD, Anxiety Disorders and Sleep disorders. Mr. Strong is the creator of the evidence-based therapy, Rhythmic Entrainment Intervention™, and founder and music creator of BrainStimAudio.com. He is also a best-selling author of eight books including AD/HD For Dummies and Different Drummer: One Man’s Music and Its Impact on ADD, Anxiety, and Autism.
 
brainstimaudio.com
calm for anxiety – STRONG INSTITUTE
stronginstitute.com
 
 
Episode Timestamps:
(01:50) Jeff's childhood experiences with drumming and its impact on his behavior (06:15) Jeff's involvement in research studies on the effects of drumming on anxiety and behaviors in children with autism (11:00) Therapeutic effects of drumming; 10 symptom areas (14:15) How the unpredictability of drumming rhythms can help activate the brain (18:45) The concept of brainwave entrainment and using binaural beats (22:05) Future plans for the Strong Institute (25:50) Remaining persistent and finding your voice  
Connect with Rachel:
Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796
 
 
Listen to the Back Porch Bestie podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-porch-bestie/id1687988106

Dr. Libby Stuyt, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in addiction, discusses the benefits of five-point ear acupuncture (NADA) and brain synchronization therapy (BST) in treating addiction and trauma. She explains the origins of NADA and its effectiveness in engaging and retaining individuals in treatment, as well as helping with stress relief, stabilization, anger management, and sleep issues. She also explains the underpinnings of acupuncture in Chinese medicine and its use in prisons and jails to reduce violence. This evidence-based treatment is accessible to various professionals and has been proven effective in engaging and retaining individuals in treatment programs.
 
About Libby Stuyt:
Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Stuyt, MD is a board-certified Addiction Psychiatrist and has worked in the addiction/behavioral health field since 1990. She was the Medical Director for the Circle Program, a 90-day inpatient treatment program, funded by the state of Colorado, for persons with co-occurring mental illness and substance abuse who have failed other levels of treatment from 1999 - 2020. She has been actively incorporating complementary treatments into treatment programs, including the 5-point ear acupuncture NADA (National Acupuncture Detoxification Association) protocol and BST (Brain Synchronization Therapy), to help patients recover from addiction as well as trauma which often underlies addiction and chronic pain issues. 
 
She retired from clinical practice in 2021 and continues to do consultant work for treatment programs, trainings on ear acupuncture and BST and presentations to educate as many people as possible on the unintended consequences of the commercialization of marijuana in Colorado, focusing primarily on the deleterious effects of high potency THC on the developing brain. She is on the board of the International Academy on the Science and Impacts of Cannabis (IASIC) and believes that people should be following the science regarding policies related to cannabis. 
 
thenmi.org/team-members/dr-elizabeth-libby-stuyt
acudetox.com
 
 
Episode Timestamps:
(02:05) Dr. Stuyt's journey into the addiction field (04:05) Five point ear acupuncture (09:35) Development of a standardized protocol for ear acupuncture (13:40) The history of ear acupuncture and its use in hospitals (17:00) Benefits of ear acupuncture in addiction treatment and anger management  (18:25) Frequency and effectiveness of ear acupuncture treatment  (20:50) Combination of ear acupuncture and EMDR therapy (23:10) Brain synchronization therapy as a gentler form of EMDR   
Connect with Rachel:
Facebook Group: The Mental Health Entrepreneur
Website: traumaspecialiststraining.com
Instagram: instagram.com/trauma_specialist
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachel-harrison-81a4796
 
 
Listen to the Back Porch Bestie podcast:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/back-porch-bestie/id1687988106