The Holistic Counselor

The Holistic Counselor Podcast is where faith, psychology, and whole-person wellness meet. Hosted by Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, QS—a licensed mental health counselor, integrative practitioner, and storyteller based in South Florida—this podcast offers grounded, compassionate conversations for anyone seeking emotional healing, mental clarity, spiritual growth, and healthier relationships. Episodes feature a wide range of voices: therapists, physicians, attorneys, pastors, educators, authors, wellness practitioners, and advocates. Together, we explore trauma recovery, nervous system health, neuroplasticity, boundaries, identity, spiritual formation, church hurt, anxiety, resilience, integrative wellness, creativity, and the real stories that shape us. Some conversations reflect Diana's Christian perspective and theology; others center on clinical insight, cultural context, or holistic practices. All episodes share the same intention: reducing stigma, elevating mental-health literacy, honoring diverse lived experiences, and supporting whole-person transformation. This podcast is a safe space for clinicians, faith leaders, creatives, parents, and anyone on a healing journey—whether you come from a church background, a deconstructing season, a holistic wellness path, or simply curiosity about mental and emotional health. Florida therapy services: www.throughthevalleytherapy.com (Florida residents only) Consulting, coaching, and educational work: www.transformedmindcc.com Support the podcast and help keep it independent by visiting the merch store: https://theholisticcounselorpodcast.printful.me/ Educational only; not therapy, diagnosis, or medical care.

The Holistic Counselor is a health podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 130 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Unknown Host hosts The Holistic Counselor, a health show with 130 episodes published.

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  The Holistic Counselor

  Ep. 127 - DNA Surprises, NPE/MPE, and Genetic Bewilderment with Dr. Josephine Rabb

  Sep 23, 20261h 3m

  What happens when a DNA test changes the story you have believed about yourself your entire life? In this deeply personal and professionally rich episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast , Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, sits down with Dr. Josephine Rabb, PsyD, LMFT, LPC, a therapist, researcher, professor, speaker, and pioneer in the field of Parental Identity Discovery™. Together, Diana and Dr. Rabb explore the emotional, relational, cultural, and clinical impact of unexpected DNA discoveries, including NPE, MPE, misattributed parentage, donor conception, late-discovery adoption, family secrets, genetic mirroring, identity trauma, ambiguous loss, and genetic bewilderment. Diana also shares part of her own recent discovery that, at 54 years old, she learned she is an NPE/MPE. This conversation is for anyone who has received unexpected DNA results, loves someone walking through this kind of discovery, or works clinically with people navigating identity, grief, trauma, family rupture, and belonging. In this episode, we talk about: What NPE and MPE mean, and why "misattributed parentage experience" is often a more inclusive term How a DNA test can disrupt identity, family history, culture, ethnicity, and belonging Why "the person who raised you is still your parent" can feel dismissive, even when it is said with good intentions Genetic bewilderment and the grief of not knowing where you come from Genetic mirroring and the relief of seeing yourself in biological relatives The impact of family secrets, rejection, silence, and delayed truth Why newly discovered relatives may need time to process the shock How boundaries matter on all sides of an unexpected DNA discovery Dr. Rabb's Parental Identity Discovery™ framework Why clinicians need to understand identity, grief, trauma, family systems, adoption research, and ambiguous loss How EMDR, CBT, attachment work, IFS-informed language, narrative work, and family therapy may support healing Why connection, community, and support groups can be essential after an NPE/MPE discovery Exact quotes from Dr. Rabb: "Dad is still your dad, the guy who raised you is still your dad. And that is true, in a lot of ways. And yet, it's one of the more dismissive comments made." "You have genetic mirroring at that moment. Genetic mirroring, and that's where that sigh of relief comes from, is I see where I belong now." Exact quotes from Diana: "Who are you if the story you've believed about yourself your entire life suddenly changes." "Instead of reacting in emotion, I want to respond in wisdom." Resources mentioned in this episode: Dr. Josephine Rabb's website https://www.jkrabb.com/ Parental Identity Discovery™ / Dr. Rabb's areas of expertise https://www.jkrabb.com/areas- of-expertise Dr. Rabb's professional development and Parental Identity Discovery™ training information https://www.jkrabb.com/ professional-development Dr. Rabb's resources page https://www.jkrabb.com/ resources-1 Sex, Lies & The Truth podcast https://www. sexliesandthetruth.com/ NPE Guide https://www.npeguide.com/ NPE Guide: Guide page https://www.npeguide.com/guide NPE Network https://www.npenetwork.org/ Netflix documentary: Our Father https://www.netflix.com/title/ 81227735 CDC: Adverse Childhood Experiences / ACEs https://www.cdc.gov/aces/ about/index.html EMDR International Association / EMDRIA https://www.emdria.org/ Internal Family Systems Institute https://ifs-institute.com/ Closing reflection: An unexpected DNA discovery can shake more than a family tree. It can shake a person's sense of identity, belonging, culture, story, and safety. But as this episode reminds us, healing does not have to happen in isolation. There is language for this. There are clinicians learning how to help. There are support groups, resources, and people who understand. And for those walking through this tender and disorienting road: you are not strange, you are not alone, and your story still matters. Please remember: trust in the Lord, guard your heart, and renew your mind.

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  The Holistic Counselor

  Ep. 125 - How to Heal After Divorce: Grief, Identity Loss & Emotional Recovery with Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP

  Sep 9, 20261h 1m

  Divorce recovery is about more than ending a marriage. It is about healing grief, rebuilding self-worth, restoring emotional health, processing identity loss, and learning how to move forward after one of life's most difficult transitions. In Episode 125 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana Rice, LMHC, sits down with divorce recovery specialist Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP, to discuss emotional healing after divorce, grief, faith, attachment wounds, people-pleasing patterns, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and practical tools for rebuilding confidence and finding hope again. Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal experience, Shirley shares how her own journey through divorce inspired her to create the HER Divorce Recovery Coaching Program, a structured framework designed to help women heal emotionally, renew their minds, strengthen their faith, and rediscover who they are beyond the pain of relationship loss. Together, Diana and Shirley explore the hidden mental health effects of divorce, the stigma many women experience within faith communities, the importance of emotional honesty, healthy boundaries, self-care, nervous system awareness, and why healing requires more than simply "moving on." Whether you're currently navigating separation, healing from a divorce that happened years ago, supporting someone you love, or simply interested in emotional wellness, resilience, personal growth, and the intersection of faith and mental health, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and hope for the journey ahead. In This Episode • How to heal after divorce • The emotional stages of grief after divorce • Identity loss and rebuilding self-worth • Depression, anxiety, shame, and emotional overwhelm • Faith, forgiveness, and healing after divorce • Attachment styles and people-pleasing patterns • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and renewing the mind • Healthy coping skills during major life transitions • Emotional regulation and nervous system awareness • The importance of community, support, and accountability • Red flags that unresolved relationship wounds may still be affecting current relationships • Why healing is a journey—not a quick fix • How to move from surviving to thriving Memorable Quotes "You started understanding how to respond in wisdom instead of reacting in emotion." — Diana Rice, LMHC "The relationship ended, but that doesn't define who you are. It's just part of your story, not your entire story." — Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP Who This Episode Is For This episode is for you if: You're currently going through a separation or divorce You're struggling with grief, shame, anger, loneliness, or uncertainty You're wondering how to rebuild your confidence and identity You're navigating divorce within a faith community You're carrying emotional wounds from a past relationship You're supporting a friend or loved one through divorce You're looking for practical tools to help you heal and move forward You're interested in mental health, faith, personal growth, and emotional wellness About Our Guest Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Addiction Professional, Certified Life Coach, and Founder of Holistic Lady Counseling Services. For more than 10 years, she has served individuals, couples, and families within the mental health and substance use field. Today, she specializes in Divorce Recovery Coaching, helping women navigate grief, emotional healing, confidence rebuilding, self-worth restoration, and personal growth after divorce. She is the creator of the HER Divorce Recovery Coaching Program, a comprehensive framework designed to help women Heal, Grow, and Thrive. Resources Mentioned Holistic Lady Counseling Services https:// holisticladycounseling.com Learn More About Shirley Barthelemy https:// holisticladycounseling.com/ official-about-page/ DivorceCare Divorce Recovery Support Groups https://www.divorcecare.org Through the Valley Therapy https://www. throughthevalleytherapy.com Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc. com The Holistic Counselor Podcast https://pod.link/1732149496 Connect with Diana Rice Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Founder, Through the Valley Therapy Founder, Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching Host, The Holistic Counselor Podcast Enjoyed This Episode? If this conversation encouraged you, challenged you, or reminded you that healing is possible, please subscribe, follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may be struggling with grief, heartbreak, divorce, identity loss, relationship trauma, or emotional healing. Your reviews help these conversations reach people who feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. Together, we can remind others that they are not alone and that healing is possible. Until next time, remember: you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

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  The Holistic Counselor

  Ep. 124 - Therapy in a Time of Labels: ADHD, Autism, Self-Diagnosis & Finding Your Identity Beyond a Diagnosis with Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan

  Sep 2, 20261h 3m

  What happens when mental health awareness meets social media algorithms? In this thought-provoking episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan, Licensed Psychologist, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), and founder of Peace of Mind Testing and Therapy, to explore one of the most important conversations happening in mental health today: self-diagnosis, therapy culture, psychological testing, neurodiversity, social media, and identity. From TikTok videos about ADHD and autism to viral discussions about anxiety, trauma, executive functioning, and neurodivergence, more people than ever are seeking answers about their mental health. But how do we balance awareness with accuracy? Validation with discernment? Understanding with identity? Together, Diana and Dr. Kerrigan discuss why so many people turn to social media for mental health answers, the role of comprehensive psychological evaluations, how diagnostic labels can both help and hinder growth, and why understanding ourselves should lead to greater freedom—not greater limitation. Whether you're a therapist, parent, educator, student, faith leader, or someone navigating your own mental health journey, this episode offers practical insight, compassion, and hope. In This Episode We Explore • The impact of TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, AI, and social media on mental health awareness • Why ADHD, autism, anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence content is exploding online • The difference between self-diagnosis and professional psychological evaluation • How psychological testing can provide clarity, validation, accommodations, and support • Why many women and adults are being diagnosed with ADHD and autism later in life • The role of culture, race, family systems, and lived experience in mental health assessment • How labels can become empowering tools instead of limiting identities • The importance of digital literacy and critical thinking in the age of algorithms • Parenting strategies for raising children in a social media-driven world • How therapists can balance validation, resilience-building, and personal growth Memorable Takeaways "Understanding yourself should lead to greater freedom, greater self-compassion, and greater possibility." A diagnosis is not the end of your story. Psychological evaluations are not designed to put people into boxes. They are designed to provide clarity, uncover strengths, identify challenges, and create a roadmap for support. Social media can offer validation and community, but it should never replace a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional. The goal is not to become your diagnosis. The goal is to better understand yourself so you can move forward with confidence, self-awareness, and appropriate support. About Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan is a Licensed Psychologist, ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP), and founder of Peace of Mind Testing and Therapy in Wellington, Florida. She specializes in psychological and psychoeducational evaluations for children, teens, and adults, helping individuals gain clarity regarding ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, learning disabilities, executive functioning challenges, mood disorders, and neurodivergent presentations. Dr. Kerrigan is passionate about helping individuals understand how they learn, think, process information, and navigate the world. Through evidence-based assessment and compassionate care, she empowers clients to recognize their strengths, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward achieving their personal, academic, and professional goals. Connect with Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan Website: https://www. peaceofmindtestingandtherapy. com Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday. com/us/therapists/alyssa- kerrigan-wellington-fl/1058709 Connect with Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Through the Valley Therapy https://www. throughthevalleytherapy.com Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc. com The Holistic Counselor Podcast https://www. throughthevalleytherapy.com/ holistic-counselor-podcast Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/ podcast/the-holistic- counselor/id1732149496 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ throughthevalleytherapy Diana specializes in anxiety, trauma recovery, perfectionism, faith and identity struggles, religious trauma, nervous system regulation, resilience, neuroplasticity, and whole-person healing through an integrative approach that blends neuroscience, evidence-based therapy, and faith-informed care. Resources Mentioned DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) https://www. psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/ practice/dsm Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) https://www.parentcenterhub. org/iep-overview/ Neurodiversity-Affirming Care https://www.usa.edu/blog/ neurodiversity-affirming-care- what-does-it-mean-for-therapy/ Digital Literacy and Social Media Awareness https://www.digitalrights. community/blog/what-is- digital-literacy CommonSense Media (Parent Resource) https://www.commonsensemedia. org Understood.org (Learning Differences, ADHD, Dyslexia) https://www.understood.org Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) https://chadd.org Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) https://autisticadvocacy.org American Psychological Association https://www.apa.org National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov If This Episode Helped You Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a friend, parent, teacher, therapist, pastor, or family member. Every conversation helps reduce stigma, increase understanding, and remind people that they are more than a diagnosis. Remember: You are not your label. You are not your diagnosis. You are a whole person with strengths, challenges, gifts, and a story still being written. And wherever you are on your journey, I hope today's conversation encourages you to keep learning, keep growing, and keep moving forward.

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  The Holistic Counselor

  Ep. 123 - Why Do I Keep Repeating the Same Patterns? Childhood Trauma, Emotional Growth & Authentic Relationships with Mark Levinsky, LMHC

  Aug 26, 202658 min

  Why do we keep repeating the same relationship patterns, emotional reactions, and self-sabotaging behaviors—even when we understand where they come from? In this episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP welcomes Mark Levinsky, MS, LMHC, licensed psychotherapist, life coach, Certified Instructor with The REAL Courses, and founder of Intentional Living Coaching & Counseling Services. Together they explore childhood trauma, family-of-origin influences, emotional maturity, vulnerability, shame, men's mental health, addiction recovery, inner child work, experiential learning, and the connection between faith, psychology, and personal transformation. If you've ever wondered: Why do I keep repeating the same relationship patterns? Why do I feel emotionally stuck? How does childhood trauma affect adulthood? How can I stop reacting and start responding? Why is vulnerability so difficult? What is experiential therapy or experiential learning? How can faith and psychology work together? This conversation offers practical insights and hope. Mark shares how experiential growth work transformed his own life after years of traditional therapy and discusses why understanding our story is important—but often not enough to create lasting change. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of emotional growth, self-awareness, relationship patterns, trauma recovery, community, belonging, forgiveness, and the lifelong process of becoming more fully who God created us to be. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Childhood Trauma & Family Systems How childhood experiences shape adult relationships Family-of-origin patterns Attachment wounds Core beliefs and self-worth Understanding emotional triggers Emotional Growth & Mental Health Emotional maturity Vulnerability and shame Self-awareness Emotional intelligence Emotional sobriety Faith, Psychology & Transformation Personal responsibility Community and belonging Forgiveness Spiritual growth Why perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18) Experiential Growth What experiential learning is How action creates transformation Why insight alone isn't enough Building courage and resilience POWERFUL QUOTES Mark Levinsky, LMHC "To love and be loved. They're starving to be loved, and they want to love." "Understanding is the booby prize." "With action, I believe deeper growth occurs." "The main thing is not to isolate." "Vulnerability is strength." Diana S. Rice, LMHC "Perfect love casts out fear." (1 John 4:18) "We're trying to understand. It's not blaming." "Learning how to become the parent you needed." "The lessons become blessings. The wounds become wisdom." RESOURCES Mark Levinsky, LMHC Website: https://marklevinsky.com The REAL Courses Official Website: https://therealcourses.com Instructor Directory: https://therealcourses.com/ instructors Adlerian Psychology North American Society of Adlerian Psychology: https://www.alfredadler.org Through the Valley Therapy https://www. throughthevalleytherapy.com Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc. com Related Episode Episode 103: Why Men Struggle With Emotions with Jon Waller, LMHC YouTube: https://youtu.be/NR_bKRvPc3w? si=4cVJ2y44HkD889LN ABOUT THE HOLISTIC COUNSELOR PODCAST The Holistic Counselor Podcast is where faith, science, and holistic healing intersect. Hosted by Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, the podcast features therapists, physicians, attorneys, pastors, authors, educators, wellness professionals, and advocates exploring mental health, trauma recovery, neuroplasticity, relationships, emotional wellness, faith, personal growth, and whole-person healing. The mission is to challenge stigma, foster meaningful conversations, and provide practical tools that help people grow emotionally, mentally, physically, relationally, and spiritually. SUPPORT THE SHOW If this episode encouraged you: Leave a review Share the episode with a friend Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform Visit our merch store: https:// theholisticcounselorpodcast. printful.me/

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  The Holistic Counselor

  Ep. 122 - Can Christians Have Anxiety? Christian Mental Health, Panic Attacks, Nervous System Healing & Finding Peace with Melissa Fisher, LMHC

  Aug 19, 202656 min

  What happens when you genuinely love Jesus… but still struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, overthinking, intrusive thoughts, chronic stress, or emotional exhaustion? In this deeply honest and clinically grounded episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP sits down with Christian therapist and author Melissa Fisher, LMHC, to explore the intersection of Christian faith, anxiety, trauma, nervous system regulation, burnout, perfectionism, emotional healing, and mental health in the church. Melissa shares her personal story of navigating military life, repeated relocations, panic attacks, self-doubt, and what she describes as a "dark night of the soul," while learning how faith, therapy, neuroscience, breathwork, and emotional healing can work together instead of against one another. Together, Diana and Melissa unpack some of the questions millions of Christians silently wrestle with every day: Can Christians have anxiety? Is anxiety a sin? Why do I still feel anxious if I trust God? What does the Bible actually say about anxiety and peace? Can prayer and therapy work together? How do trauma and chronic stress affect the nervous system? What is high-functioning anxiety? How do perfectionism and people-pleasing fuel anxiety? Can someone intellectually trust God while their body still carries fear? How do we tell the difference between God's voice, wisdom, fear, hypervigilance, and trauma-driven anxiety? This episode also explores: Christian anxiety and panic attacks Nervous system dysregulation Trauma and emotional healing Church hurt and spiritual abuse High-control religion and guilt Breathwork and neuroscience Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Neuroplasticity and rewiring the brain The mind-body connection Faith and mental health Women's mental health and burnout Military family stress Rest, Sabbath, and slowing down Overstimulation, doomscrolling, and social media anxiety Somatic and body-based healing approaches Why emotions are signals—not failures One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes when Melissa shares: "It's never labeled as a sin in the Bible." — Melissa Fisher, LMHC And Diana reflects: "I've started seeing anxiety less as an identity and more as a signal." — Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP Whether you're a therapist, ministry leader, caregiver, military spouse, trauma survivor, person of faith, or simply exhausted from carrying too much for too long, this conversation offers practical tools, honest reflection, and compassionate insight for anyone trying to find peace in an overwhelmed world. About Melissa Fisher, LMHC Melissa Fisher, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Vancouver, Washington, specializing in trauma, anxiety, spiritual formation, and Christian mental health. She has over two decades of experience serving in Christian youth, women's, military, and young adult ministries. Melissa is also the author of Jesus for the Anxious: 8 Weeks of Practicing Peace to Calm Your Worry and Fear , published by Revell, an imprint of Baker Publishing Group. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Melissa Fisher Counseling https://www. melissafishercounseling.com/ Melissa Fisher's Book: Jesus for the Anxious https://www. melissafishercounseling.com/ book One Minute Pause App https://wildatheart.org/pause Breathly App https://breathly.app/ Learn More About Through the Valley Therapy https://www. throughthevalleytherapy.com/ Transform Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc. com/ Support The Holistic Counselor Podcast + Merch Store https:// theholisticcounselorpodcast. printful.me/ About The Holistic Counselor Podcast The Holistic Counselor Podcast is where faith, science, and holistic healing intersect. Hosted by Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, the show explores trauma, neuroscience, relationships, nervous system healing, Christian mental health, emotional wellness, and integrative healing through thoughtful conversations with therapists, physicians, authors, advocates, and wellness experts. Loved This Episode? Please rate, review, and share this episode with someone navigating anxiety, burnout, overthinking, panic, or emotional exhaustion. Your reviews help more people discover these honest and healing conversations. And as always… Trust in the Lord. Guard your heart. Renew your mind.

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