If you’ve been treating your reflux with acid-reducing medications and still aren’t getting relief, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining things. For many people, especially those who have had their gallbladder removed or are dealing with sluggish bile flow, the problem isn’t just stomach acid. It could be bile ... Read More
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A Problem Liver and Gallbladder: Acid Reflux and Anxiety and Addiction (Part 3)
The Fix for a Slow Gut: Acid Reflux and Anxiety and Addiction (Part 2)
If you've been treating your acid reflux like it’s simply a problem of "too much acid," you're not alone. But in many cases, it’s not actually about how much acid you have. It’s about how well your digestive system is moving. In this post, we’re diving into the often-overlooked world of gut motility, the rhythmic ... Read More
The Fix for Acid Reflux with Anxiety or Addiction (Part 1)
You’re not alone. If you’ve ever had to sit up in bed after a meal, felt that slow burn climbing up your chest, or tasted acid in the back of your throat — you’ve likely experienced acid reflux. And you’re in good company: It affects nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. (1)(2). For many, acid reflux or ... Read More
Finding the Words: How to Act When It Feels Like There’s Nothing You Can Say or Do
In the past, family members affected by addiction mostly heard the message that they were “powerless” over the disease: that there was nothing they could do to help, except to avoid enabling their loved one’s substance use. In Episode 12 of the First Responder Families Podcast, show host and Director of Family ... Read More
From the Ashes: A Firefighter on “Post-Traumatic Growth”
In this installment of the First Responder Families Podcast, show host and licensed family therapist Ivona Bhahda explored the innovative concept of “post-traumatic growth,” by interviewing a former firefighter about his journey through trauma, alcoholism, and PTSD. When post-traumatic growth is an end destination, ... Read More
What Men Need Out of Therapy
Men face unique mental health challenges that therapy can address. In celebration of Men’s Health Month, we decided to explore these issues with the help of Patrick Fitzgibbons, MBA, MS, MA. Fitzgibbons is a counselor and the program lead for Shatterproof FHE Health, our specialized treatment program for first ... Read More
Movement and Mental Health
Recently, I celebrated 13 years of being a licensed Zumba fitness ® instructor. I never would’ve imagined it, but here I am dancing my way through life and helping others do the same. I did not start out as an instructor. I started out as a participant in dance fitness classes and fell in love. But my fitness journey ... Read More
The Power of Practicing Mindfulness
Mindfulness and mindfulness meditation can be especially beneficial for those affected by chronic or post-traumatic stress. In this episode of the First Responder Families Podcast, you’ll get an introduction to mindfulness meditation and related practices. Show host Ivona Bhadha, a trauma therapist who works with first ... Read More
