This week, the Laurens sit down with Niki Froman, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Inner Shell Therapy in Fort Collins. What starts as an interview quickly turns into a mini therapy session—covering everything from what it’s really like to work in the mental health field, to the mental toll of perimenopause, to the connections between sleep, trauma, and ADHD. Lauren B gets personal as she asks Niki about her own interest in making a career change into mental health, while Lauren P digs into the challenges women face during hormonal transitions. Honest, supportive, and packed with wisdom, this conversation feels like a warm hug and a wake-up call at the same time. Every woman will walk away with something valuable from this episode.
Follow Niki on social media:
Instagram @innershelltherapyllc
FB: facebook.com/innershelltherapy
Keywords: mental health, career transitions, women's health, perimenopause, self-care, therapy, neuroscience, hormonal changes, collaborative care, emotional well-being, ADHD, perimenopause, mental health, sleep, community support, women, therapy, career in mental health, coping mechanisms, emotional well-being
Takeaways
Mental health is crucial during career transitions.
Identifying your passion can guide your career path.
Personal experiences shape professional insights in mental health.
Hormonal changes significantly impact mental health.
Self-care and boundaries are essential for mental health professionals.
Collaborative care models enhance patient support.
Understanding hormonal shifts can aid in managing mental health.
Therapy is becoming more normalized, but stigma remains.
Experience-based learning is vital in becoming a therapist.
Practical strategies can help manage mental health effectively. ADHD symptoms can overlap with perimenopause symptoms.
Finding a good provider is crucial for mental health.
Sleep patterns significantly affect mental health.
Community support is essential for women during transitions.
Therapy can provide validation for emotional experiences.
Sleep training techniques can be applied to adults.
Mental health careers require strong boundaries.
Peer support roles can provide valuable experience.
Therapists often face emotional challenges in their work.
Understanding trauma can redefine personal experiences.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Career Paths
06:26 Niki's Journey into Social Work
13:00 Exploring Career Changes in Mental Health
15:29 The Importance of Personal Experience in Therapy
19:51 Breaking Stigmas Around Therapy
22:27 Collaborative Care Models in Mental Health
25:41 The Importance of Collaborative Care
29:00 Navigating Women's Health Transitions
30:22 Understanding Hormonal Changes and Mental Health
33:53 The Impact of Neurotransmitters on Well-being
38:11 Exploring ADHD and Perimenopause Connections
42:45 Navigating Women's Health Challenges
45:59 Understanding Emotional Responses and Trauma
49:55 The Impact of Sleep on Mental Health
53:05 The Importance of Community and Support
57:05 Lessons in Therapy and Boundaries
58:34 The Challenges of Being a Therapist
59:54 Navigating Clinical Responsibilities and Safety
01:01:07 Exploring Career Paths in Mental Health
01:03:30 Volunteering and Gaining Experience in Mental Health
01:06:04 Understanding the Role of Peer Support
01:06:59 The Importance of Practical Experience in Training
01:13:27 Future Topics and Closing Thoughts