Krista Weaver, LMSW, Program Therapist at Connections Wellness Group for the PHP/IOP adult mental health group (Supervised by Baqi Martin LCSW-S). She sees individual clients in private practice outside of group therapy. During her career as a social worker, Krista has worked closely with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, substance use, and general mental health. In this conversation, Lauren and Krista discover what learned helplessness can look like, where it comes from, and how to move forward.Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Officer Todd Gyure has worked at the Garland Police Department for over 20 years with 16.5 years of that time spent working in the Patrol unit.  For the past 3.5 years Todd has been assigned to the Garland Police Departments Wellness Unit. Todd is in his 11th year as a member of The Garland Police Departments S.W.A.T. team as a hostage negotiator.  Todd is passionate about all things brain health for both the public he serves, and the law enforcement/first responder community at large.Lauren and Todd discuss the importance of the NAMI North TX Overwatch Peer Support (OPS) program for first responders, the film PTSD911, and prioritizing mental health. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Treva Noriega lost her son Cooper Noriega to fentanyl poisoning on June 9, 2022. Treva has become an activist for ending the fentanyl epidemic and continuing the legacy that Cooper started to help others. Before Cooper passed, he founded Coop’s Advice, a non-profit organization to GenZ rethink how our society understands and addresses mental health and addiction. Coops Advice Foundation coopsadvice.orgEnd Overdose endoverdose.netTreva Noriega Instagram trevawellsnoriegaThank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Sarah Robinson, LPC, Clinical Manager of Onboarding at Connections Wellness Group is a fan favorite of the Connections Chat podcast! Sarah is back for her 4th episode so if you haven't listened to her others or enjoyed this episode be sure to check them out. In this episode, Lauren and Sarah discuss the Stutz documentary on Netflix. We would love to hear your thoughts! What did you think of this documentary? Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Shanna Garza, MD is an Adolescent Medicine physician and the Clinic Director of Girls to Women/Young Men’s Health and Wellness in McKinney, a multidisciplinary Adolescent Medicine practice offering comprehensive medical and mental health care to teenagers and young people age 10-25. Dr. Garza received her B.S. in Biology from Emory University and attended medical school at Baylor College of Medicine. Following her medical education, she completed a Family Medicine residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. She is a board-certified Family Medicine physician and a member of the Texas Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Texas Medical Association and the Collin-Fannin County Medical Society. Dr. Garza has 16 years of experience working with children, teens and young adults. She is very involved in the community with several different professional groups related to mental health and eating disorders. She also hosts a podcast called Total Teen Health and Wellness- A Doctor’s Guide for Parents. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Maggie Stroud MCN, RD, LD, CEDS is passionate about being a dietitian specializing in eating disorders and ARFID. Lauren and Maggie discuss what  Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy looks like with Eating Disorders. Maggie discusses ARFID and messaging we all receive about food. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Victor Torres, Music Therapist - Board Certified (MT-BC) joins us with his instruments and voice for this week's special episode. Lauren and Victor explore doing things for themselves versus for others. Victor discusses the dual nature of being a musician and therapist. Listen until the end of the episode for (two) surprise performances! Keep up with Victor on Instagram @victortorresmusic and don't forget to wear your cape! https://www.heartandharmony.com/  Instagram: @heartandharmonyFB: facebook.com/heartandharmonyThank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Rebecca Tilden MCN, RD, LD, CEDS is a registered dietitian specializing in eating disorders. For multiple years, Rebecca worked with patients across multiple levels of care (inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient). Rebecca works with child, adolescent, and adult patients and their families. Rebecca employs an anti-diet, weight-inclusive approach using “All Foods Fit”, Intuitive Eating, and Health at Every Size principles. Rebecca has earned the certification, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist (CEDS), through the International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals (iaedp).Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Tatum Deberry is a Lead Billing Specialist at Connections Wellness Group. This is her third podcast episode with us and her first episode on abandonment is our most downloaded so far. In this episode, we will be talking about Tatum's personal experience with step-parents, divorce, and blended families. This episode explores themes of divorce and that no one is alone. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Jay Green is currently a psychology professor at Tarrant County College (TCC). He began his career as a therapist and later worked with adults with developmental disabilities. He graduated from the University of North Texas with a BS in psychology and Abilene Christian University with an MS in psychology. Lauren met Jay when she took his intro to psychology course at TCC several years ago. Jay shares advice for new therapists and the unfortunate mental health stigma that still exists. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Awstin Gregg is the CEO of Connections Wellness Group. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. Awstin recently won the DCEO 2022 award for Outstanding Healthcare Executive. Lauren and Awstin discuss leadership, hopes for the mental health stigma, and advice for those looking to grow in their career. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Kayla Corley recently graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Master’s in Counseling & Development. During internship, Kayla worked with clients in the PHP and IOP setting to navigate issues related to suicidal ideation, self-harm, disordered eating, substance use disorder, childhood trauma, and neurodivergent disorders such as ADHD. Lauren and Kayla talk through Kayla's experience of getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult and how it has inspired her to help others. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Erin Wiggins is a recent graduate from Texas Wesleyan University with her Masters in Professional Counseling seeking to obtain associate licensure. With a passion for education and empowerment, she joins us today to talk about sexuality and what that looks like in a mental health setting. Lauren and Erin discuss misconceptions about sex therapy, the benefits of education, and how to navigate tough conversations. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Through her own healing journey, Jaime found individual counseling to be a transformative experience. She decided to pursue a career as a counselor, knowing firsthand the life-changing power of therapy. Jaime Rogers received her M.S. in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman's University and received her B.A. in Sociology from UT Dallas. Jaime has spent this year working as a student intern for Connections Wellness Group. She has found a passion for working with individuals healing from trauma and grief. Lauren and Jaime discuss her personal path and how much growth occurs in training to become a counselor. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Karla Pineda is an LPC-Associate, supervised by LPC-Supervisor Megan Shelton, with a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas. Karla currently works in private practice and provides individual and group counseling for adolescents and adults. She utilizes DBT, ACT and CBT with her individual clients and facilitates DBT skills groups for adolescents and adults. Lauren and Karla discuss practical uses for DBT and common misconceptions. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Maeve O’Neill, MEd, LPC-S, CHC, CDTLF. Maeve has worked in behavioral health for 35 years, her first 10 years were in direct clinical service with all populations, 10 years in program management with all settings and the last 15 years in executive leadership with national organizations specializing in Ethics and Compliance.  She recently joined All Sober as the EVP of Addiction and Recovery. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Megan Good RD, LD, CEDS is a Registered Dietitian at Dallas Nutritional Counseling specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating, and chronic dieting. While working at a general practice clinic, Megan constantly saw disordered eating behaviors, chronic dieting, and undiagnosed eating disorders among her clients. Through the help of a colleague, Megan was introduced to Intuitive Eating and began educating herself on the negative effects of dieting. Lauren and Megan discuss what intuitive eating looks like and the work Megan does with clients. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Jordan Wolfe, LPC, is a therapist in Denton for Connections Wellness Group. She graduated from Texas Woman’s University and currently works with adult clients. Her specialties are spirituality, interpersonal and relational skills, emerging adulthood, trauma, anxiety, and betrayed partners. Lauren and Jordan discuss the window of distress tolerance and do a deep dive into a recent CEU presentation of hers. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Angela Prior is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Supervisor, Experienced-Registered Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance Education Provider, and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor practicing in Dallas, TX. She has over a decade of clinical experience and has been in private practice since 2016. Angela is the owner of AP Counseling and Yoga a collective of embodied therapists and yoga teachers. She also recently launched a virtual resource for burnout and the helpers The Compassion Circle. Lauren and Angela discuss the mind and body connection and why yoga can be so healing for mental health. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group

Whitney Russell, MS, LPC-S, CEDS-S, EMDR Trained, is the owner of Brave Haven Counseling and she specializes in eating disorders, mood disorders, relationships, women’s issues, EMDR, and the enneagram. Whitney and Lauren discuss her private practice, incorporating the enneagram in work with clients, eating disorders, and women's issues. Thank you for listening! If you have topic ideas, a possible guest, or would like to share feedback please e-mail the host at lauren.sepulvador@connectionswellnessgroup.comWatch our video podcasts at www.youtube.com/@connectionswellnessgroupFollow us on Instagram @connections_wellness_groupFacebook @connectionswellnessgroupLinkedIn @connections-wellness-group