Informed Consent

In today’s episode, Gabriel and Heather interview guest, Ryan Munsey. Ryan is a former fitness model and gym owner turned writer, speaker, and bio hacker. He's an optimizer of human performance with a degree in Food Science & Human Nutrition from Clemson University. He is Chief Optimizer for the only open-source supplement company “Natural Stacks” and the host of the “Optimal Performance podcast”. Most of us have followed or aspired to follow the food pyramid we learned about in grade school. However, this is not the optimal model for nutrition in the 21st century, nor was it ever truly “healthy”. The topics discussed in this episode will inform nutritional health for both yourself and your clients and will include: Knowing how to feed ourselves rather than knowing what to eatConsiderations for the consumption of -Proteins-Fats-CarbohydratesPracticing within the scope of our knowledge and training when it comes to nutrition -Consulting and referrals -Certifications: “Eat to Perform” or “Precision Nutritio

Happy New Year! As we begin 2017, let’s talk goal achievement! In this episode Heather and Gabriel will tackle topics addressing:-New Year's resolutions: What are they and why do they fail?-The ways in which we typically set goals and why those goals can fail-A better way: Goal GettingAs a gift for you, Gabriel and Heather have created an e-book to walk you through Goal Getting for the coming year. Through the aid of this workbook, you will create your:-Vision of your perfect day-Goal for 2017-One big thing to address each quarter-Objectives for 30, 60, and 90 day markers-Tasks for the month and week-To-do’s for each dayThis free resource can be found at www.informedconsentpodcast.com/2017

In a world of uncertainty, there is one safe place to invest...in ourselves. In this episode, Gabriel and Heather explore various aspects of investment in yourself. They will broach topics that include:-What does it mean to invest in yourself?-Why don’t clinicians invest in themselves-Why investing is not specific to finances or “the bank”-Resource: “The Last Safe Investment”-Litmus test: Look at your credit card or bank statement and look at the last few charges of $50 or more and ask “Did I get the feeling I thought I would from this purchase?”-How Heather and Gabriel invest in themselves?

The holidays can be a challenge emotionally for many of us as well as for our clients. Many of our clients and ourselves “dread the holidays” instead of celebrate them. They become something we just have to get through. Join Heather and Gabriel as they explore the ways in which trauma, guilt, shame, rejection, family conflict, grief and loss, unmet expectations, addiction/recovery processes, and leftover emotions from the 2016 elections can all play a role in the difficulty with emotions over the holidays. Many get caught up in the “shoulds” and “what ifs”. Together we will look at what can we do to change this pattern including:-Mindfulness practices-Letting go of perfectionism and being in the moment with family-Choosing who, when, and how you celebrate-Setting intentions-Practicing gratitudeWe will also take a look at the Placebo effectResource: Erik Vance “Suggestible you: the curious science of your brain's ability to deceive, transform, and heal”

“If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together”. Join Heather and Gabriel as they continue the rapport building conversation. In this episode they further explore what it means to move together in the therapeutic alliance. Highlights of the discussion include: -Continued discussion on expertise -What can be gained without trust?-The importance of trust in the therapy process-Self disclosure-Factors at play in the speed of rapport building-Differences in community and private practice

“Build rapport, build rapport…” is the mantra we learned in graduate school, and it's the key to success for our clients. In this episode, Gabriel and Heather begin to tackle the "why" and "how" to developing the therapeutic alliance. Join them in the consideration of relationship building blocks such as:-Use active listening to understand the client and their story/worldview-Be respectful -Of their time-Of their own expertise of themselves-Remembering the details-Adjust your approach to meet the client's needNo discussion of building rapport is complete without considering the work of Carl Rogers. Lessons gleaned from this pioneer include: -Genuineness: openness and self disclosure-Acceptance: Unconditional positive regard-Empathy: being heard and understood

In this episode, Heather and Gabriel, have a special guest, Gabriel’s wife, Carly, to discuss their experiences in Emergency Services!The topics touched on in this episode include:-What is Emergency Services?-The duties of an Emergency Service clinician-The barriers to the clinician-What you can do to best prepare your clients if inpatient is an option.Follow up from the SUMMIT episode on ADHD.A few resources from panel member Peter Shankman:-Ten Ways to be Happier When You Live/Love Someone Diagnosed With ADHD:-In Defense of Being “So Goddamn Happy All the Time”:

Episode 21: Excellence in SupervisionIn this episode, Guest, Stephanie Whited, LCSW, joins Heather and Gabriel in discussing a design for excellent supervision. Topics of discussion will include: -Why supervision is important-Styles of supervision-How to balance administration/billing, clinical work and professional developmentStephanie Whited is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Virginia, and she has been supervising in a clinical setting for more than seven years. She has been employed at a local community services board for almost ten years and worked in a residential facility prior to that. Most of her work has focused on children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, attachment difficulties and symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Her qualifications include: -Early childhood and family services Program coordinator-Adjunct professor of social work-DBT consultant-Crisis Intervention supervisor-HART supervision (Health alternatives to residential treatment)-Mental health skill building-Cas

Gabriel attended a summit in New York City for CEOs on Entrepreneurial ADHD. Today’s episode is a reflection on the knowledge he gleaned from his attendance at this star studded event. The presenters at the summit were leaders in the field of ADHD treatment and included Dr. Ned Hallowell, Dr. Ellen Littman, and Peter Shankman. Below are some highlights of the information shared in this episode:-Moving your treatment from a “deficit model”-Additional thoughts on stigma to include, “The true disabilities are the stigmas associated with a diagnosis”-Paradoxical Pairs: Useful: mind like a steel trap; Problematic: unpredictably forgetful Useful: tenacious, never gives up; Problematic: stubborn Useful: ability to take risks; Problematic: a need to be in danger in order to feel engaged and alive-Advice about anxiety: “never worry alone” -Managing ADHD with the 7 C’s: Control Cut back Connect Challenge Contemplate Create Contribute-Considerations for how ADHD manifests diff

Let's face it. There are still stigmas associated with counseling. In this episode, Heather and Gabriel tackle the notion of removing those stigmas. They will explore why these stigmas exist and debunk the label of “crazy”. This episode will challenge you, as the professional, to consider such notions as:-Betterment and the “stigma” of wanting to be better-“Average” connotes staying the same, but, if you’re not getting better you’re getting worse because you’re always moving in some direction-“Better in every way every day” a pursuit of excellence-Counseling for the mental health professional

Diagnosis of a client is an early step in the treatment process. However, its implications can be far reaching. In this episode, Heather and Gabriel explore their philosophy on diagnosis and other points to consider when diagnosing. Topics discussed in this episode include:-Requirements from insurance companies for a diagnosis-Considering “least restrictive” diagnoses-Assessing over time rather in one intake session-Who should be allowed to “diagnose”-Advocating for your client with other professionals -Not getting caught up in “pseudo diagnoses” -Considering the environment and the context -Especially in the cases of trauma-Ethical implications in diagnosing

An Abundance Mentality:Abundance is curiosity, generosity, sincerity, and exponential growth. It is our gift to our clients and it needs to be our gift to the profession and the world. This differs from a scarcity model in which one attempts to hold onto their piece of the pie out of fear and self promotion. In this episode, Gabriel and Heather bring the abundance mentality to community mental health. Topics discussed will include: -Abundance vs Scarcity-Recognizing abundance and scarcity in your agency and yourself-Practicing AbundanceResources to move you into an abundant mindset:Books:-“Abundance” by Peter Diamandis-The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie -“Conscious Capitalism” by John MackeyPodcasts:-Exponential Wisdom-Crazy Good Turns

Episode 16: Why in-house supervision can be flawed In-house supervision refers to the process of residency supervision as provided by your supervisor for employment. While this is a convenient solution, it can be a flawed process. Join Gabriel and Heather as they discuss the pitfalls such as: -How your supervisor manages the “billing talk”-Are you able to trust your supervisor to discuss burnout and job changes? -Is personal/professional growth a topic of discussion? There are options for licensure supervision other than your direct employment supervisor. Heather and Gabriel will suggest options for accessing “outside supervision”. Resources discussed will include: -Your state’s licensing board-Your state or localities professional associations-Academic institutions -Psychology Today and other online professional directories

Hearing about the need for self care can leave you wondering, “What does self care look like?” In this episode, Heather and Gabriel discuss their own self care plans. You will hear ideas such as: -Creating a morning routine-Exercise-Staying hydrated-Relaxation-Mindfulness vs. Mindlessness-Disconnecting from work-Full engagement in passions-Attainment of understanding through podcasts, audible, reading, etc...Resources:-Steven Pressfield - author

In this episode Heather and Gabriel discuss the following:-What is self-care my teachers talked about-Why watching TV, going out to the bar etc. is not self-care-Self-care needs to be holistic whose end is self-improvement-

Gabriel and Heather attend Roanoke VA's Mindfulness Conference 2016 and hear from it's key note speaker: Sharon Salzberg. Ms. Salzberg is a New York Times Best selling author and teacher of Buddhist meditation practices in the West.

Heather and Gabriel brainstorm ideas that organizations can use to support their employees, while still increasing revenue and providing the best quality care to the consumers. Enjoy!

-Questions to ask yourself or peers-Ethical considerations-Where do I turn for help (who)-Maybe you’re working with the wrong pop.

-Defining burnout-Signs of burnout-From the article @ http://www.counseling.org/docs/vistas/vistas_2012_article_79.pdf?sfvrsn=3

-What is the supervisor's view on leadership (how does the supervisor lead)?-What is the team atmosphere?-What do trainings look like?-Is supervision consistent?-Is there group supervision?-Do you feel alone and isolated