Trauma can be extremely difficult to quantify and recognize, especially in children and teenagers. At their core, traumatic events are experiences that cause physical, emotional or psychological harm. Trauma can also be extremely variable: An event that causes lasting distress in one person may not have a significant ... Read More
“Trauma-Informed Guilt Reduction” – What It Is and Does
The shadow of shame and guilt keeps many people from living a full life. Under the burden of guilt, shame, and moral injury, they're caught in a circular pattern of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, and suicidal ideation. In these cases, guilt therapy, shame-informed therapy, trauma reduction ... Read More
How the “Weight of the Badge” Affects First Responders’ Mental Health
"He swore that oath to protect and serve Pours his heart and soul into both those words Lays his life on the line The line he walks is razor fine Tempered strength is always tough But he ain't gonna buckle Under the weight of the badge" -George Strait, Weight of the Badge In a song that celebrates the ... Read More
The State of Addiction and Mental Health in an Election Season
Americans have been demanding improvements in mental health and addiction treatment access and insurance coverage for some time. While there's no doubt that there has been progress, especially since the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its insurance coverage mandates regarding mental health and substance ... Read More
Robot Pet Therapy a Growing Trend: Does It Work?
Often used for surgical assistance, robots are making their way into medical clinics, too. Though it may be tempting to envision these devices as merely structures of wire and steel, think again: In some clinical settings, robots are covered in fur and even bark. If you're familiar with the film The Stepford Wives, ... Read More
Must Love Dogs and Cats: Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy
Improved immune system, reduced blood pressure, reduced stress and anxiety levels and enhanced self-esteem; these may sound like the promises of the newest medication to hit the market. However, they don't just come from a medication; these are the time-tested benefits of a drug-free treatment called Animal-Assisted ... Read More
The Shortage That Isn’t Good for Americans’ Mental Health
Americans have had their fair share of shortages, from baby formula to food and paper products to gas and electricity. Yet some shortages, particularly the mental health workforce shortage, are already causing major disruptions in patient care and affecting patients' long-term prognosis. While October has a mental ... Read More
FHE Health Supports for the LGBTQIA+ Community
Since we last aired this piece in June 2024, Kim Sorondo's title has changed to Patient and Family Support Clinician. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community face unique mental health challenges related to being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, or Asexual/Ally. Discrimination and ... Read More














