Episode Summary
If you’ve ever struggled with picky eaters, childhood eczema, food sensitivities, or your own gut issues, this episode of Real Food Mental Health is packed with solutions. Cody Cox sits down with Jessica Ramdhany Thomas, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and microbiome specialist, to explore how gut health impacts everything from digestion and immunity to mood, behavior, and long-term wellness.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why gut health is the foundation of mental and physical wellness.
The difference between the GI Map and shotgun metagenomics testing—and why newer gut testing methods may give more accurate results.
How the gut produces serotonin, GABA, and other neurotransmitters that influence mood, focus, and anxiety.
Simple, practical ways to support picky eaters with nutrient-dense foods rich in iron and zinc.
Why long-term probiotic supplements aren’t always the answer—and how fermented foods and diverse fiber can better support the microbiome.
Functional nutrition tips for eczema, food sensitivities, and childhood gut health.
Key Topics Covered:
Pediatric gut health and early microbiome development
Strategies for introducing whole foods to kids
Supporting mental health through nutrition
Foods and supplements that strengthen the gut lining and reduce inflammation
The connection between gut diversity, immunity, and metabolism
About Today’s Guest:
Jessica Ramdhany Thomas is a nutritional therapy practitioner, microbiome specialist, and educator who helps families heal and thrive by addressing gut health at the root. With a background in biology, psychology, and education, Jessica translates the latest gut microbiome science into real-world strategies for parents and children.
Where to Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: @madewholistic
Call/Text: (813) 670-3467
Resources Mentioned:
Gut testing options: BiomeFx, Tiny Health
Fermented food ideas: sauerkraut juice, yogurt, kimchi, miso, sourdough
Key nutrients: iron, zinc, vitamin D, and short-chain fatty acids
Episode Takeaway:
Supporting your gut microbiome isn’t just about digestion—it’s about building a strong immune system, improving mental health, and helping kids (and adults) thrive long-term.
Subscribe and review and check back for more soon.
Episode Summary
In this special episode of Real Food, Mental Health, host Cody Cox shares his recent appearance on the TV show Invisible Condition. Cody opens up about his personal journey with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, and how food and lifestyle choices became pivotal in transforming his mental health. Together with host Jeff Pearson, they explore the intersection of nutrition, psychotherapy, and invisible conditions, shedding light on why addressing root causes—not just symptoms—is essential for true healing.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how diet impacts mood, why mental health struggles often go unseen, and how patience and compassion can make all the difference in supporting ourselves and others.
Cody’s early struggles with depression and anxiety—and how social connections and lifestyle shifts changed everything.
Why nutrition is often overlooked in conventional mental health care.
The difference between psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists.
What “bio-individuality” means and why there’s no true one-size-fits-all diet.
How invisible conditions like mental illness, ADHD, or learning disorders affect daily life—and how compassion can bridge the gap.
The role of hope, faith, and purpose in navigating mental health challenges.
Learn more about Cody’s work: Beavercreekwellness
Connect with Jeff Pearson’s nonprofit: Hydro With Hope
“Hope can be a tricky thing for people who don’t see their purpose. To me, it’s a spiritual crisis if they don’t have that hope—but it can be found as you develop that sense of purpose.” – Cody Cox
Subscribe and review and check back for more soon.
What if the key to mental health lies in how your brain makes and uses energy? In this episode of Real Food Mental Health, host Cody Cox sits down with Dr. Matt Bernstein, a board-certified psychiatrist and pioneer in metabolic psychiatry. Together, they explore how nutrition, lifestyle, and metabolic health directly influence the brain—and how these tools can transform recovery from conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia.
Dr. Bernstein shares his journey from traditional psychiatry into functional and metabolic approaches after witnessing profound changes in patients using ketogenic therapies. He explains why therapeutic ketogenic diets differ from weight-loss versions, the importance of monitoring labs and ketones, and the lifestyle factors—like exercise, sunlight, and stress management—that make the biggest difference for brain and body health.
Whether you’re a clinician, a patient, or simply curious about the connection between food, metabolism, and mental health, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed.
How metabolic psychiatry is reshaping mental health care
Why the brain sometimes “starves” for energy despite normal blood sugar
The differences between therapeutic ketogenic diets and popular “keto-friendly” foods
Key lifestyle practices—like exercise, sunlight, and mind-body work—that amplify metabolic brain health
How gut health, supplements, and lab testing tie into psychiatric outcomes
The role of insulin resistance in both physical and mental illness
Practical tips for finding the right clinician trained in metabolic therapies
Books:
Brain Energy by Dr. Christopher Palmer
Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind by Dr. Georgia Ede
Good Energy by Dr. Casey Means
Technology tools:
Blood ketone meters (Keto-Mojo)
Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) Click here for the Lingo by Abbott and use discount code ABNTP-Hnv03 for 10% off.
Dr. Bernstein’s program: Akkord MH
Dr. Matt Bernstein is a psychiatrist with 25 years of experience helping individuals achieve recovery and mental wellness. After serving in leadership roles at Massachusetts General Hospital/McLean, he turned his focus to metabolic psychiatry. He now serves as Chief Medical Officer at Ellenhorn and runs a pioneering residential program integrating ketogenic therapy and lifestyle interventions. Dr. Bernstein also co-leads research, advises nonprofit boards, and is a leading advocate for metabolic health in mental health care.
LinkedIn: Matt Bernstein, MD
Program Website: accordmh.com
Connect with Cody: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from these insights.
Keywords:
Metabolic psychiatry
Metabolic psychotherapy
nutritional psychiatry
nutritional psychotherapy
nutrition and mental health
ketogenic therapy
metabolism
brain energy
natural ways to overcome mental illness
depression
anxiety
bipolar
epilepsy
Have you ever stood in the grocery aisle staring at food labels—“organic,” “all-natural,” “low-fat,” “cage-free,” “pasture-raised”—and wondered what they really mean? In this episode, Cody Cox welcomes back Katie Kirklin, Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor and Registered Nurse, for a practical conversation about how to cut through the confusion and find truly nourishing foods for you and your family.
Together, Cody and Katie unpack:
Whole foods vs. ultra-processed foods: Why single-ingredient foods are the foundation of health.
Organic vs. all-natural: What’s regulated, what’s marketing fluff, and how to make smarter choices.
Greenwashing tactics: The sneaky ways companies use packaging, colors, and words to make unhealthy products look healthy.
Eggs, meat, and dairy labels: Cage-free, free-range, pasture-raised, grass-fed, grass-finished—what actually matters.
The truth about GMOs/bioengineered foods and why they’re best avoided.
Eating well on a budget: Tips like shopping seasonally, buying frozen, and using the Dirty Dozen & Clean 15 lists.
Cleaner living beyond food: How to choose safer cleaning and personal care products with help from EWG.
Local and sustainable options: From farmers’ markets to backyard chickens to community apps like Farmish.
Katie also shares resources such as the Weston A. Price Foundation, realmilk.com, ewg.org and EatWild.com for finding local farmers and higher-quality food sources.
Find the 2025 Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists here.
👉 Where to find Katie:
Website: katiekirklin.com
Instagram: @katiekirklinnutrition
Connect with Cody: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from these insights.
I'm taking a bit of a break this week because back-to-school time is a very busy time of year for healthcare providers! It's ironic; people generally don't want to take care of their health during the summer, then in September and October, all of a sudden, they are interested again and my schedule fills up.
This is a brief episode where I review my services and mention a few resources that may be of interest to you.
Read more about me at beavercreekwellness.com
Register for the Wise Traditions conference at wisetraditions.org
Have a great week!
Cody Cox
Episode Summary:
Your poop is more than a waste product—it’s a daily health report. In this episode of Real Food Mental Health, Katie Kirklin, Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor and Registered Nurse, explains how your bowel movements can reveal important clues about your digestion, detoxification, and even your mental health.
Katie shares her journey from conventional nursing to holistic nutrition, breaking down her three roots, many branches functional nutrition model. We cover what healthy poop looks like, what different stool colors might indicate, and simple, natural ways to improve digestion.
We also explore the gut-brain connection—why 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, how inflammation affects mood, and how small, consistent changes can lead to lasting wellness.
If you want to improve your digestion, balance your hormones, and support your mental health naturally, this episode is your step-by-step guide.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How functional nutrition works to address root causes of health issues
Signs of healthy bowel movements & what your poop says about your health
The three roots, many branches model for digestive health
Common stool colors and what they may indicate (and when to see a doctor)
The “non-negotiable trifecta” for healing: sleep, poop, and blood sugar balance
Simple strategies to improve digestion without drastic diets
How the gut-brain axis impacts mood, anxiety, and overall mental health
Why fiber, hydration, and mindful eating are essential for gut health
Keywords to Note for SEO:
gut health, digestion, poop health, healthy bowel movements, functional nutrition, gut-brain connection, mental health, constipation, diarrhea, stool color chart, detoxification, serotonin production, digestive health tips
Links & Resources Mentioned:
Katie’s Website: Katie Kirklin Nutrition
Instagram: @KatieKirklinNutrition
Functional Nutrition Alliance (Andrea Nakayama’s program)
Subscribe and review and check back for more soon.
gut health
gut microbiome
probiotics for gut health
prebiotics vs probiotics
high-fiber foods for gut health
fermented foods for digestion
gut health and mental wellness
how to heal your gut naturally
functional nutrition for digestion
gut-brain connection
I know I already had an episode on sleep (a solo episode), but I thought it would be nice to have a guest to talk with on the subject.
Welcome Jade Twombly! She is a nutritional therapy practitioner and loves to talk about sleep.
In this episode, we discuss sleep hygiene and the science behind why sleep is so important and what you can do to improve the quality, not just the quantity of your sleep. We also discuss the importance of doing certain things in the morning that help your sleep for the next night!
Some of this episode might be a review of things I've already discussed in previous episodes, and some of it is new. Either way, enjoy!
Find Jade at moveholistichealthandnutrition.com.
Subscribe and review and check back for more soon.
There are a lot of people who don't know how to cook anymore! We are so busy with life that we grow up eating fast food and ultra-processed garbage. But no one is to blame; it's not like we do this on purpose (at least, not most of us). But how do you learn to cook when you were never taught growing up?
It's easier than you think, and in today's episode, we talk about just that.
Josh Noland is the host of the Health Unfiltered podcast. He is passionate about helping people help themselves.
Check out Josh's podcast (and an interview with Cody) here.
Today, we cover topics like:
What kitchen equipment you need
Methods for cooking
Simple principles of cooking
Tips for keeping cooking less stressful
Find Josh at joshnoland.com.
Subscribe and review and check back for more soon.
Episode Summary:
In this compelling episode of Real Food Mental Health, host Cody Cox speaks with Sylvie Beljanski, a French lawyer-turned-health advocate who is continuing the legacy of her father, Dr. Mirko Beljanski—a pioneer in natural cancer research. Sylvie shares her powerful story of uncovering and defending her father’s suppressed cancer treatments based on natural plant extracts and RNA fragments, and how she turned adversity into action by launching the Beljanski Foundation and a supplement company to carry forward his groundbreaking work.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
The story of Dr. Mirko Beljanski and his revolutionary discovery of plant-based compounds that selectively target cancer cells
How political and pharmaceutical interests sought to suppress this promising natural cancer treatment
The role of environmental toxins—including diet, water, air, and skincare products—in contributing to both cancer and mental health issues
The gut-brain connection and how compromised digestion leads to emotional and immune dysfunction
How RNA fragments developed by Dr. Beljanski support blood cell regeneration, serotonin production, and mood during chemotherapy or chronic illness
Practical steps to reduce your toxic load, support your liver, and embrace holistic detoxification
Why the packaging of even organic products matters—and what materials are safest
Sylvie’s thoughts on inflammation as the root cause of disease and the importance of reducing toxic exposures daily
Resources & Mentions:
The Beljanski Foundation – Research and publications on natural cancer therapies
Maison Beljanski – Sylvie’s company offering her father’s plant-based formulations
Sylvie Beljanski's personal website
Subscribe and review and check back for more soon.
Keywords
Natural cancer treatment
Holistic cancer healing
Environmental toxins and health
Gut-brain connection
Functional medicine for cancer
Plant-based cancer therapy
Inflammation and chronic disease
Natural detox strategies
Non-toxic living
Integrative oncology
Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode of Real Food Mental Health, host Cody Cox sits down with Jeff Pearson—speaker, author, nonprofit director, and host of Invisible Condition on e360TV. Jeff shares his powerful journey of living with hydrocephalus, a condition that has required him to undergo seven brain surgeries since infancy.
Cody and Jeff dive deep into the challenges of living with invisible medical conditions—from arthritis and fibromyalgia to schizophrenia and ADHD—and the misunderstandings that often surround them. They also explore the link between physical illness and mental health, the parasympathetic nervous system's role in healing, and the importance of holistic approaches including diet, mindfulness, and faith.
Whether you live with an invisible condition or support someone who does, this conversation is a powerful reminder: you’re not alone, there is hope, and there’s a community that understands.
Topics covered:
Jeff’s journey with hydrocephalus and multiple brain surgeries
The inspiration behind Invisible Condition, Jeff’s weekly TV show
The stigma and misunderstanding of invisible illnesses
How diet, gut healing, and functional nutrition can support chronic conditions
Exploring parasympathetic activation for healing
Faith, mindfulness, and coping with fear and uncertainty
Alternatives to conventional medicine and the need for integrative care
The emotional toll of Alzheimer's and dementia on families
Memorable Quotes:
“Not everything is as it seems. You never know what someone is going through—especially when it’s invisible.” – Jeff Pearson
“Faith, for me, means trusting that no matter the outcome of surgery, I’ll either wake up to my wife’s face or the face of Jesus—and I’m okay with either.” – Jeff Pearson
“Doctors are not gods. They are people with jobs—and you can get a second opinion.” – Cody Cox
Resources:
Hydro With Hope – Jeff’s nonprofit supporting families with hydrocephalus
Catch Jeff Pearson every Tuesday and Friday at 12pm ET / 9am PT on e360TV’s Invisible Condition, where he interviews guests thriving despite hidden health challenges.
Cody will also appear on Invisible Condition on August 8—stay tuned for more!
📧 TV Show Inquiries: invisiblecondition@e360tv.com
📧 Hydrocephalus Support: jeff@hydrowithhope.org
Subscribe and review and check back for more soon.
Keywords:
invisible illness podcast
living with hydrocephalus
hydrocephalus awareness
real food mental health
chronic illness and mental health
holistic mental health podcast
functional nutrition for chronic illness
brain surgery recovery stories
Jeff Pearson Invisible Condition
e360TV Invisible Condition show
Episode Summary
In this transformative episode of Real Food Mental Health, host Cody Cox sits down with spiritual healing expert and author Beatty Carmichael to explore the spiritual root causes behind chronic pain, anxiety, depression, addiction, and even autoimmune disease.
With a background rooted in a family of medical doctors and over 25 years in business, Beatty brings a unique and systematic approach to healing that combines alternative health, prayer therapy, and spiritual wellness. His method, outlined in his book The Prayer of Freedom, has helped thousands overcome conditions that traditional medicine and psychotherapy often struggle to treat—many within 24 hours.
This episode includes a powerful live demonstration where Cody experiences immediate relief from inflammation—showcasing how spiritual healing can influence physical health. Beatty also discusses the science of intergenerational trauma, the role of conscience, and how unforgiveness, soul ties, and other hidden emotional patterns may be silently affecting your body and mind.
🔍 What You'll Learn in This Episode
✅ What “spiritual root causes” of illness really are
✅ How chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and addictions may be symptoms of unresolved spiritual issues
✅ Why trauma from past generations can impact your health today (intergenerational trauma)
✅ The science-backed connection between unforgiveness and physical disease
✅ How to break negative spiritual ties (unholy soul ties)
✅ Why Beatty’s prayer method has a 90% success rate
✅ How to self-heal using the step-by-step method in The Prayer of Freedom
✅ How holistic psychotherapy and spiritual healing overlap in practice
📚 Resources Mentioned
➡️ Book: ThePrayerofFreedomBook.com – Direct access to Beatty's transformational book and free worksheet
➡️ New Website (Coming Soon): BeattyCarmichael.com – Courses, events, and additional resources
➡️ Connect with Host Cody Cox on Signal: @cox.07
Subscribe and review and check back for more soon.
spiritual healing, chronic pain relief, mental health recovery, trauma healing, intergenerational trauma, holistic therapy, spiritual root causes, addiction recovery, emotional healing, alternative health solutions
Host: Cody Cox, Holistic Nutritionist & Licensed Psychotherapist
Guest: Dr. Melissa Sell – Expert in German New Medicine (GNM)
Summary:
In this groundbreaking episode, Dr. Melissa Sell introduces us to the powerful science of German New Medicine (GNM)—a revolutionary approach that connects emotional trauma to chronic physical and mental illness.
We explore how unresolved emotional shocks can manifest as physical conditions like acne, cancer, back pain, and even autism. Dr. Sell explains the five biological laws discovered by Dr. Ryke Geerd Hamer and how they reveal the body’s incredible intelligence to heal itself—when we learn to interpret its signals correctly.
If you've ever asked why healthy people still get sick—or felt powerless about your health despite “doing everything right”—this conversation will change the way you see your body forever.
Things You'll Learn:
✅ The shocking story that led to the discovery of German New Medicine
✅ Why cancer, acne, and autoimmune conditions are biological survival responses
✅ How your brain, body, and psyche are always working together
✅ Why symptoms like pain, fever, and fatigue are signs of healing, not disease
✅ How mental illness—including depression, anxiety, and autism—can be viewed as adaptive brain constellations
✅ Why some emotional shocks can lead to chronic illness decades later
✅ How to identify the exact type of conflict that triggers symptoms
✅ The truth about bacteria, viruses, and the body’s natural “cleanup crew”
✅ Why there is no evil in nature—just misunderstood biology
“Your body is not broken. It’s doing exactly what it was designed to do—to help you survive.” – Dr. Melissa Sell
“There is no evil in nature. The body never works against you—it’s always working for you.”
“We don’t get sick because we’re weak—we get sick because our biology is adapting to overwhelming stress.”
Dr. Melissa Sell’s Website: DrMelissaSell.com
Subscribe and review and check back for more soon.
Keywords in this episode:
German New Medicine explained
Mind-body connection and disease
Emotional trauma and physical symptoms
Natural healing for chronic illness
Alternative cancer treatment
Holistic mental health approach
Self-healing without medication
Autoimmune disease root causes
Understanding the five biological laws
Why healthy people still get sick
If you’ve been searching for natural ways to heal trauma, overcome anxiety, or finally move past emotional blocks—this episode is for you.
In today’s conversation, licensed trauma therapist Tammy Valicenti explains how she blends EMDR therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic techniques to help clients recover from PTSD, anxiety, and chronic stress faster than with conventional talk therapy.
You’ll learn how her method—called Transformation Solution—goes beyond standard therapy protocols by reconnecting mind and body for deep, lasting results. We also discuss how gut health, nervous system regulation, and bilateral brain stimulation play a vital role in emotional healing.
What You'll Learn:
✅ How Tammy’s Transformation Solution helps clients heal trauma more quickly
✅ Why EMDR alone may not be enough for deep emotional wounds
✅ How IFS therapy identifies inner parts holding you back
✅ Why the body stores trauma and how to safely release it
✅ The science behind bilateral stimulation and how it rewires the brain
✅ When it's safe to use EMDR self-guided tools (and when it’s not)
✅ The connection between gut health and mood disorders
✅ Why EMDR improves sleep and nervous system function
✅ How to find the right trauma therapist—and what credentials matter most
Tammy Valicenti’s website: TammyValicenti.com
Tammy’s TEDx Talk on trauma healing – Addressing Trauma Beyond Talk Therapy
Cody Cox offers virtual holistic psychotherapy, trauma-informed EMDR, and functional nutrition counseling. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, burnout, or chronic gut issues—there is a path to healing.
Subscribe and review and check back for more soon.
Keywords:
EMDR therapy for trauma recovery
Internal Family Systems (IFS) explained
Somatic therapy for anxiety and PTSD
Natural mental health solutions
Gut-brain connection and emotional wellness
How to heal trauma without medication
Holistic therapy for depression and stress
Online EMDR therapy vs in-person therapy
What to expect during your first EMDR session
Have you been considering becoming a therapist or counselor? Do you know which degree to get? Do you wonder what it's like in the day-to-day after graduation? This episode is for you!
Your host, Cody Cox, discusses his experience with graduate school, including disappointments, and what it was like to get clinical supervision and finally to get independently licensed and become self-employed. It's a long and grueling process, especially for heterosexual, white men. Listen to the episode to find out why!
Because this is a bit off-topic, it's a bonus episode! But it seemed relevant at the same time due to the increased interest people seem to have in becoming a therapist.
Connect with Cody: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from these insights.
Episode Summary:
In this enriching episode of Real Food Mental Health, Cody Cox sits down with Dr. Tom Ingegno, a seasoned acupuncturist and integrative medicine expert with over 23 years of clinical experience. Together, they explore the expansive world of East Asian medicine, the philosophy behind acupuncture and cupping, and how these ancient modalities are supported by modern science to support both mental and physical health. Dr. Tom breaks down complex ideas—like meridians, energy (Qi), and the endocannabinoid system—with clarity and humor. They also discuss EFT, meditation, and the role of ancestral health wisdom in today’s fast-paced, disconnected world.
🧠 Topics Covered:
What East Asian medicine encompasses beyond acupuncture
The origins and evolution of acupuncture, meridians, and Qi
How acupuncture impacts the nervous system, circulation, digestion, hormones, and mental health
The science and cultural history of cupping therapy
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) as modern acupressure
How traditional medicine blends with integrative health models
Common reasons acupuncture “doesn’t work” for some people
Creating personalized treatments based on emotional patterns and symptom presentation
Why meditation is the #1 practice for improving health and awareness
Reconnecting with our humanity in a high-tech world
🧰 Resources & Mentions:
Charm City Integrative Health – Dr. Tom’s clinic in Baltimore, MD
The Cupping Book by Dr. Tom Ingegno
Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman & Richard Davidson – a science-based look at the effects of meditation
🌿 Quotes to Remember:
“Acupuncture is an expression of humanity.” – Dr. Tom Ingegno
“We’re not trying to go backward, but we’re trying to reconnect with what it means to be human.” – Cody Cox
“The goal isn’t always to remove the problem immediately—it’s to teach the body where health is and how to return to it.”
🙋♀️ Who Should Listen:
This episode is perfect for anyone curious about acupuncture, East Asian medicine, or natural ways to manage stress, anxiety, pain, and inflammation. It’s especially insightful for holistic practitioners, wellness seekers, and skeptics who want to understand the science behind ancient practices.
Connect with Cody: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from these insights.
In this episode, Cody Cox explores the purpose of psychotherapy, discussing its goals, methods, and the transformative impact it can have on mental health. He also addresses a common pitfall in therapy: the tendency to vent rather than engage in productive dialogue. Listeners are invited to join him as he unpacks these important topics and provides valuable insights for anyone considering therapy.
What is Psychotherapy?
The Goals of Psychotherapy
How Psychotherapy Works
Common Misconceptions about Psychotherapy
Avoiding Venting in Therapy
Benefits of Psychotherapy
This episode is part of a series on an Orientation to Therapy. Check out the other episodes in the series and subscribe to the show!
Connect with Cody: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from these insights.
Have you ever heard someone flippantly call someone else narcissistic, OCD, or bipolar? In the last couple decades, it has become increasingly common to blame people for gaslighting just because someone disagrees, or to say that your spouse is narcissistic just because he is a little selfish. But that's not usually accurate.
This episode is all about proper clinical diagnoses. Particularly, I talk about depression, anxiety, and ADHD, a few of the most common diagnoses.
This is the third episode in a series on an Orientation to Therapy. Keep an eye out for more!
Connect with Cody: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from these insights.
Many people are confused with how to find the right therapist. As a therapist myself, I've been disappointed by all those who just come to me because they want generic therapy and don't care about my training or specialities. It's frustrating (and draining) for me as the clinician, and if it's not a good match, it's disappointing for you, too, making you wonder if you have a "bad" therapist. Each therapist is different! It can be really helpful to find out what your therapist specializes in (perinatal, depression, nutrition, substance abuse, etc.), what their personal philosophy is like (holistic or allopathic?), or whether you feel like you "click" with them.
This episode is all about how to find the right therapist. There are several things you can do to get yourself (and therapists) a better experience! And there are a couple things to watch out for if you have a poor match.
This is the second episode in a series for "Orientation to Therapy." Subscribe and keep an eye out for the next episode on making therapy a better experience for you!
Connect with Cody: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from these insights.
Most, or even all, of us could benefit from getting therapy, even if we don't necessarily have a diagnosable condition. You may have heard that there's a shortage of therapists--not enough providers to meet the demand for all the mental illness in America. But that's false. There's a lot of mental illness, but the real problem is affordability. Most people who need it simply aren't getting it because they can't afford therapy (and there are also those who won't commit because it's inconvenient).
So what do you do? Actually, there are a lot of ways to make therapy more affordable. This episode outlines several ways, and some of them even let you choose your favorite therapist while making sure they get paid fairly and you pay less at the same time.
This is part of the "Orientation to Therapy" series. Be on the lookout for a couple more episodes on understanding how therapy works!
Connect with Cody: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from these insights.
Episode Summary:
We explore practical tools and heartfelt insights into managing time, preventing burnout, and re-evaluating our relationship with work. Our guest, a seasoned executive coach and leadership strategist, introduces her simple yet transformative "Blocks, Clocks, and Socks" framework for regaining control of your schedule and refueling your energy.
We also dive into the roots of workaholism—from perfectionism and imposter syndrome to unresolved personal narratives—and how these hidden forces can hijack our lives. With honesty and vulnerability, she shares how a life-changing cancer diagnosis forced her to reckon with her own patterns of overwork and find a more grounded, intentional way of living and leading.
Whether you're a teacher, executive, entrepreneur, or caregiver, this episode offers real talk and actionable strategies for creating sustainable balance in high-demand roles.
🎧 In This Episode, You'll Learn:
🧱 What “Blocks, Clocks, and Socks” mean—and how to use them to structure your day with intention
⏰ The importance of setting a clear end time for your workday (and how to stick to it)
💬 How overworking can be a symptom of deeper emotional wounds, limiting beliefs, or a need for validation
❤️ The surprising ways that self-care connects to self-worth and relational connection
🔄 How the “ESE Framework” helps leaders evaluate, support, and engage their teams more effectively
🧠 Why rewiring your brain is essential for breaking free from workaholism and burnout
📚 A sneak peek into the upcoming book Ease Into Leadership—a field guide for sustainable productivity
👥 Who This Episode Is For:
High-performing professionals navigating burnout
Executives and team leaders striving for work-life balance
Teachers, therapists, and caregivers in high-demand service roles
Anyone looking to reconnect with their purpose and protect their energy
Connect with Rhonda:
LinkedIn: Rhonda Freeman Parmer
Connect with Cody:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with anyone who might benefit from these insights.
