Behavioral Health Today

Healing from religious trauma means separating doctrine from personal truth, allowing space for love, identity, and non-monogamy without judgment. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon welcomes Ann Russo, a licensed therapist and founder of AMR Therapy, which provides mental health care for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and those in non-traditional relationships. With a background in Theological Studies and Social Work, Ann combines compassion with a deep understanding of sexuality, spirituality, and mental health. Ann is also developing the Religious Trauma Treatment Model (RTTM), a framework helping professionals guide clients through the wounds of high-control religious systems. Join us as Ann explores how non-monogamy, LGBTQ+ identity, and religious trauma intersect, the challenges of reconciling sexual and spiritual self-acceptance, and therapeutic strategies to help individuals reclaim their true selves. For more information about Ann Russo please visit: https://www.annrusso.org Join Ann’s mailing list to get more information about her upcoming book, visit: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/981712/124700102617990202/share If you’re looking for a therapist, please visit AMR Therapy to find a professional, visit: https://www.amrtherapy.com Connect with Ann on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annrussolcsw/ Connect with Ann on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@annrussolcsw

Love, loss, and healing are deeply interconnected, and somatic practices offer a pathway to transform pain into resilience. In this episode of our Clinicians Series, where we explore the strategies and techniques shaping modern therapy, Dr. Graham Taylor welcomes back Amy Pickett-Williams, LCSW. With over 25 years of experience in grief, trauma, and somatic therapy, Amy is a seasoned psychotherapist and the founder of LIGHT (Love In Grief, Held Together), a global movement dedicated to collective healing and support. Amy’s holistic approach integrates the mind, body, and spirit, drawing from her personal journey and professional expertise. A certified yoga instructor with experience spanning medical, school-based, and private practice settings, Amy has worked with clients of all ages. In this episode, she highlights the transformative power of the LIGHT Movement, sharing how somatic healing, creativity, and connection can help individuals navigate and heal from all forms of grief. For more information about LIGHT, please visit: https://www.lightmvmt.com To learn more about the 20-Hour Somatic Healing Training or other upcoming LIGHT trainings, please visit: https://www.lightmvmt.com/offerings/trainings For more grief resources, please visit: https://www.lightmvmt.com/resources To donate to LiGHT, please visit: https://www.lightmvmt.com/donate Connect with LIGHT on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/lightmvmt Connect with LIGHT on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/lightmvmt Connect with LIGHT on Linkedin at: http://linkedin.com/company/the-light-movement

Polarization is not inevitable—it’s a tactic. The real challenge is learning to listen, seek understanding, and embrace the opportunity for growth that comes from different perspectives. In the first episode of BHT Bytes, hosts Dr. Graham Taylor and Sharlee Dixon explore how polarization is often a tactic designed to divide us, and how we can break free from it by focusing on understanding, listening, and growth. In this quick and digestible episode, we reflect on the political division post-election and discuss how we can approach the new year with a grounded, intentional mindset. Instead of reacting with frustration, we explore how to take control of what we can—starting with how we listen, understand, and make a meaningful impact in our local communities. Join us as we shift from division to agency and focus on creating positive change, one conversation at a time.

Today’s youth face a convergence of challenges: delayed milestones, societal pressures, and a deepening crisis of meaning and purpose. Yet, resilience may hold the key to navigating these turbulent waters. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor welcomes back Dr. Henry Venter, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor of psychology with over 25 years of experience in clinical practice and education. Dr. Venter’s research delves into the growing mental health challenges faced by young adults, with a focus on rising loneliness and the critical role of meaning and purpose in fostering happiness and fulfillment. Drawing from a holistic therapeutic approach that blends client-centered therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and psychodynamic principles, Dr. Venter brings invaluable insights to this conversation. You can explore more of his work on his YouTube channel, @Restart. Join us as we unpack Dr. Venter’s findings on the loneliness epidemic, the rise of the 'Giving Up Generation,' and what can be done to turn the tide. For more information about Dr. Henry Venter at National University and his various publications, please visit: https://www.nu.edu/degrees/social-sciences/faculty/dr-henry-venter/ For more information about Restart YouTube Channel, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/@restartafterfailure To contact Dr. Henry Venter, please email at: henryjventer@gmail.com Connect with Dr. Venter on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drhenryventer

From personalized learning tutors to real-time health insights, AI is revolutionizing how we live, work, and connect—not as a dystopian threat, but as a co-pilot for human progress. In this episode, Sharlee Dixonis joined by Ravi Bapna, chair of Business Analytics and Information Systems at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and author of “Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI”. An award-winning scholar, Ravi’s groundbreaking research delves into the transformative impact of AI and machine learning on areas such as online dating, social media, and workforce development. As the founder of the Analytics for Good Institute, he has spent over two decades guiding leaders to leverage digital transformation for societal benefit. Together, we explore how AI is reshaping our daily lives, dispelling common myths, navigating ethical challenges like data privacy, and unlocking its potential to enhance wellness, relationships, and mental health. For more information about “Thrive: Maximizing Well-Begin in the Age of AI” by Ravi Bapna and Anindya Ghose, please visit: https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262049313/thrive/ For more articles and research by Ravi, please visit: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=s420FPYAAAAJ&hl=en To connect with Ravi, please visit: https://carlsonschool.umn.edu/faculty/ravi-bapna For more information about the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota and their programs, please visit: https://carlsonschool.umn.edu Connect with Ravi on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravi-bapna-1249241

Every overdose reversed is an opportunity to save a life—and it all begins with awareness, education, and community action. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Dr. Jorge Petit, the Strategy and Development Advisor at Zero Overdose, a national non-profit organization committed to preventing overdose deaths. With over 30 years of experience in community and public psychiatry, Dr. Petit has been a champion for vulnerable populations, particularly those impacted by substance use disorders. His extensive career includes founding Quality Healthcare Solutions and serving in leadership roles at Coordinated Behavioral Care and Beacon Health Options. Today, he’ll share insights into overdose risk factors, harm reduction strategies, and how Zero Overdose is shaping the future of overdose prevention policies. We’re thrilled to have him on the show to highlight this critical work. For more information about Zero Overdose, please visit: https://zerooverdose.org For more information about upcoming specialist training and safety planning, please visit: https://zerooverdose.org/services/ If you would like to donate to help save lives, please visit: https://zerooverdose.org/give-now/ Connect with Zero Overdose on Instagram at: https://instagram.com/zerooverdose/ Connect with Zero Overdose on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zero-overdose/ Connect with Zero Overdose on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/ZeroOverdoseOrg Connect with Zero Overdose on X at: https://twitter.com/zerooverdoseorg

Redefining Masculinity: It's not about standing alone—it's about connecting deeply with ourselves and each other. In this episode, Dr. Graham Taylor is joined by Duncan Rich and Owen Marcus from MELD, a men's wellness organization focused on emotional resilience and mental health. Owen, with over 40 years of experience working with men’s groups and somatic programs, develops transformative programs at MELD to help men build emotional intelligence and live fully. He’s also the author of Grow Up: A Man’s Guide to Masculine Emotional Intelligence. Duncan, co-founder and Head of Operations at MELD, brings his expertise in creating meaningful experiences, from retreats to large-scale festivals. Together, Duncan and Owen lead a global movement empowering men to embrace vulnerability, overcome societal pressures, and build deeper connections through MELD’s somatic-based approach, group work, and community healing. For more information about MELD and their men’s mental health programs, please visit: https://meld.community For more information about the PRIME Retreat on Feb. 27th–Mar. 2nd, please visit: https://app.meld.community/meld-prime-retreat To schedule a free coaching session with a facilitator, please visit: https://meld.community/schedule-a-call/ Connect with MELD on Instagram at: http://instagram.com/meld.men Connect with MELD on Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meldmenscommunity/ Connect with MELD on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MELD-men Connect with MELD on X at: https://twitter.com/meldmen Connect with MELD om Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/meldmen

Immediate feedback, personalized learning, and user-friendly tools—FirstWork is transforming the way children with special learning needs thrive. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Patrick Faga, the founder and CEO of FirstWork, a groundbreaking digital application designed to simplify Discrete Trial Training (DTT). With a strong foundation in Behavioral Neuroscience and Behavioral & Decision Sciences, Patrick created FirstWork to provide a structured, customizable digital experience that empowers parents, professionals, and children. Join us as Patrick shares his inspiring journey, the innovative ways FirstWork streamlines DTT, and how its reward-based, customizable features are making learning more effective and accessible for all.   For more information about FirstWork App, please visit: https://firstworkapp.com To download the FirstWork App on the Apple Store, please visit: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/firstwork/id6468642504?mt=8&shortlink=FirstWork&pid=FirstWork&af_xp=custom&source_caller=ui To download the FirstWork App on the Google Play Store, please visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.firstwork.app&hl=en_US&pli=1 Connect with FirstWork App on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/firstworkapp/

True wellness thrives in the balance of stress, sleep, nutrition, and mindful practices that support the autonomic nervous system. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon sits down with Dr. Theresa Rose Bajt, a licensed psychologist with over 30 years of experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, depression, OCD, and grief. Specializing in the integration of psychology and spiritual growth, Dr. Bajt empowers clients to achieve harmony between mind, body, and spirit. Named a Top Woman in Medicine in 2023 and honored with the Impact Award for her transformative work, Dr. Bajt joins us today to explore Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—how it differs from typical depression, the importance of sunlight and Vitamin D for mental health, and practical strategies for managing SAD.   For more information about Dr. Theresa Rose Bajt, please visit: https://drbajt.com/ For more information about “Do One Thing Different: Ten Simple Ways to Change Your Life” by Bill O’Hanlon, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Do-One-Thing-Different-Simple-ebook/dp/B00CKOV8YQ For more information about “Nutrient Power: Heal Your Biochemistry and Heal Your Brain” by William J. Walsh, PhD, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Nutrient-Power-Heal-Biochemistry-Brain/dp/1620872587 View helpful resources on the American Psychological Association (APA) at: https://www.apa.org View resources at the National Institute of Health (NIH) at: https://www.nih.gov View resources or Find a Therapist at Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us View resources at the Mayo Clinic at: https://www.mayoclinic.org View resources at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at: https://www.nami.org

Your brain thrives on balance—sleep, nutrition, movement, and mindfulness. Small changes lead to a life well-lived. In this episode, Sharlee Dixon speaks with Dr. Sui Wong, an award-winning neurologist and neuro-ophthalmologist based in London. Dr. Wong specializes in integrating mindfulness and lifestyle medicine into brain health, blending over 20 years of clinical expertise with cutting-edge neuroscience research. She is passionate about turning science into actionable, person-centered solutions and dedicates her time to volunteering with organizations like the Visual Snow Initiative and IIH UK As the founder of the Brain Health Practice, Dr. Wong advocates for a holistic approach to well-being, focusing on balancing the autonomic nervous system and empowering patients to create lasting behavioral change. Today, she shares her journey into neurology and how mindfulness, lifestyle medicine, and practical strategies can transform both brain and body health. For more information about Dr. Sui Wong and to subscribe to her Thursday Tips, please visit: https://www.drsuiwongmd.com For more information about “Mindfulness for Brain Health: Neuroscience-Informed Mindfulness in Plain English, Empowering You with Self-Care and Mindfulness Meditation Practices for Clarity, Peace, and Joy” by Dr. Sui H. Wong, please visit: https://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-Brain-Health-Neuroscience-Informed-Empowering/dp/1738558118 For more information about Sui’s other written books, please visit: https://www.drsuiwongmd.com/books Connect with Dr. Sui Wong on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/drsuiwong.neurologist/ Connect with Dr. Sui Wong on Linkedin at: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/dr-sui-wong-neurologist