Our Podcast
A LOOK WITHIN: Conversations on Mental Health & Well Being
Join us as we explore the frontiers of mental health and well being through in depth interviews and conversations with mental health experts from across the globe. “A Look Within” is a project by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Office of Mental Health dedicated to exploring important issues around mental health and sharing unique perspectives and useful resources for listeners.
Each episode we speak with mental health experts to share their thoughts and work with an eye towards helping all of us address life challenges, learn about ourselves, and grow as individuals and communities.
Our latest episode
Episode Summary
In this episode, Lt. Governor Evette talks about mental health efforts, resources, and services in the state of South Carolina. She shares her thoughts on what she sees across the state to include the mental health challenges of our youth, the need for more mental health providers, and upcoming legislative efforts to improve healthcare across South Carolina.
All Episodes
Episode Summary
This episode takes a closer look at the mental health challenges and developmental milestones of adolescent boys with psychotherapist and licensed professional counselor, Ward Lassoe LPC. Ward is a highly regarded therapist specializing in the treatment of adolescent boys and adult men. In our conversation, he shares tips and tools for helping adolescent boys navigate the challenging time of adolescence.
Episode Summary
In today’s episode we explore mental health and wellness with the BIPOC community with Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad, a leading psychotherapist, author, and speaker with more than 20 years experience in the field. She’s a recipient of the Charleston Black Caucus “40 Professionals to Know” award, and is the author of the book, “Into-See-Me”, which explores the cultural and personal factors that can make it challenging for black couples to develop and maintain intimacy. You may learn more about her work at www.drjeannelle.com.
Episode Summary
In this month’s episode, we discuss and explore the topic of grief, loss, and trauma with the incomparable Bonnie Compton, APRN, BC, CPNP, an End of Life Doula, Conscious Living and Dying Coach, Author, Speaker, Child and Adolescent Therapist, Parent Coach, Nurse Practitioner, and Certified RTM Trauma Practitioner. Ms. Compton speaks directly about the importance of the grieving process, how we may come to accept and make peace with the losses in our lives, and she offers helpful tools, resources, and effective treatment modalities for those who are suffering. You may learn more about Bonnie Compton’s work at www.gentleheartjourneys.comEpisode Summary
In this month’s episode, we discuss adolescent mental health and the challenging parent/teen dynamic with Chris Haines, the Director of School Mental Health Counseling in Greenville County, SC as part of the SC Department of Mental Health. Learn more about adolescent counseling and school mental health services in your community at www.scdmh.orgEpisode Summary
In this month’s episode, we take a closer look at Autism with Dr. Melinda Edwards, a mother, writer and physician who’s helping families look at Autism through a different lens than the symptoms and disease model which dominates the landscape. Dr. Edwards is the founder of the non-profit organization Darshan (www.livingdarshan.org), which seeks to usher in a new paradigm of Autism that recognizes the incredible gifts and insights often introduced to us through individuals with Autism. She currently serves as a psychiatrist for the SC Department of Mental Health and is completing her upcoming book, “Psyche and Spirit: How a Psychiatrist Found Divinity Through Her Lifelong Quest for Truth and Her Daughter’s Autism”.
Episode Summary
In this month’s episode, we take a closer look at depression with Dr. Jonathan Sperry – a core faculty member at Lynn University and a leading mental health researcher, psychotherapist, author, and lecturer in the field of psychology. Learn more about his work at www.drjonsperry.com
What is depression telling us and how do we make sense of depressive symptoms within the context of our own unique situation, personality, and overall make-up? It’s a fascinating conversation you won’t want to miss!
Episode Summary
In today’s episode we speak with the dynamic and inspiring Senior Pastor of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Benton is a true leader in Charleston, SC where he works tirelessly to empower individuals, families and communities to live spiritually, mentally and physically healthy lives. In our conversation we discuss several important topics to include the power of community and connection, the value of therapy, the slippery slope of attachment to outcomes and to things, learning what we can and cannot control, and finding purpose and meaning in life when you’re feeling stuck or disillusioned.Episode Summary
In this episode, we speak with the licensed therapist and substance abuse treatment specialist, Karen Perlmutter to explore the many sides of alcohol and substance use and abuse. If you’ve been questioning your own or a loved one’s relationship to alcohol and other substances then this conversation will offer useful information, hope, and a path to healing. Want to learn more about Karen Perlmutter’s work?
Visit her at www.collaborativecounselingllc.com
Episode Summary
In this episode we talk with the multi-talented sleep and anxiety expert, Dr. Melissa Milanak, concerning the truth about sleep along with new insights and helpful tips to improve our sleep and our overall well-being and balance.
Learn more about Dr. Milanak’s work at www.mindimpactconsulting.com
Episode Summary
In this episode, we speak with David LaMotte – songwriter, speaker, activist, and author about the topic of change both at a personal and community level. The conversation is filled with helpful guidance and inspiration to rekindle and/or light a spark in you!Episode Summary
In today’s conversation we speak with the author, educator, novice chaplain, and one of American Buddhism’s thoughtful new voices, Chenxing Han. What follows is a conversation on the topic of grief and loss with insights from a Buddhist Perspective. How do we grieve our losses? How do we experience this universal journey through loneliness, grief, and fulfillment? These and many more are questions Chenxing generously explores with us through her deft touch and tender spirit.Episode Summary
In today’s conversation, we speak with the board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Kelly Holes-Lewis, from the Charleston, South Carolina based mental wellness clinic – Modern Minds.Through her extensive clinical work and training, Dr. Holes-Lewis has developed a deep understanding of the healing power of compassion, mindfulness, and positive engagement in our own healing and care. And although these concepts may seem simple, they’re often challenging to find in the world of illness-based medicine. What follows is our conversation on the topic of compassion for both ourselves and others in which Dr. Holes-Lewis shares her insights and practical steps to help us find better balance and meaning in our lives. Learn more at www.modern-minds.comEpisode Summary
In this episode we explore the topic of mental health for young children ages 0-5. Our conversation will explore ways in which parents/caregivers may foster healthy environments to help promote childhood development. And we discuss how parents/caregivers may look for and identify possible problem areas and where to find specialized mental health resources for young children when needed. This is an incredibly useful conversation for parents/caregivers of young children!Episode Summary
In this episode, we speak with the licensed therapist and relationship expert, Lair Torrent LMFT, about how we may enrich our relationship with a romantic partner by moving away from putting a spotlight on symptoms and learning to bring our best selves to the relationship. Lair Torrent is a clinically trained licensed marriage and family therapist. His graduate work focused on couples at Mercy College under the mentorship of world-renowned marriage & family therapist, Dr. Evan Imber-Black. He’s the bestselling author of, “The Practice of Love: Break Old Patterns, Rebuild Trust, and Create a Connection That Lasts”, which was published in February of 2022.Episode Summary
In this episode we speak with the licensed art therapist, Marianne Huebner, about the healing powers of art and art therapy in our lives. She will share details about the art therapy process as well as discuss art activities that one can engage in at home to de-stress and to learn more about ourselves. Marianne is an art therapist for Hopeway, an evidence-based mental health treatment center in the Charlotte, NC region.
Learn more at www.hopeway.org.
Episode Summary
In this episode, we explore practical ways in which we may find opportunities to build resilience, hope, and positive change in the hectic day-to-day of our lives. The therapist and mental health leader, Melissa Camp LPC, shares powerful exercises, offers useful tips to reconnect with our passions, and discusses important warning signs for when we should seek additional help and support. Visit her at www.melissacamplpc.comEpisode Summary
In this episode, we discuss important information about suicide and suicide prevention to include details about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Life Line. The conversation is led by Jennifer Piver, Executive Director of Mental Health America – Greenville County, and Jennifer Butler, Program Director of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Office of Mental Health’s Office of Emergency Services.Episode Summary
In this episode, we share a conversation with the psychologists Dr. Báyò Akómoláfé and Dr. Jürgen W. Kremer about reframing our understanding of what it means to be human. The talk centers on ways we might learn to explore the unknown, to address the uncomfortable head on, and to better understand the interconnectedness of all things so we might gain insight into the mystery and meaning of our lives.Episode Summary
In this episode the prolific writer and talented Jungian Analyst, Dr. James Hollis, shares his thoughts on what it means to be living “In-Between Times”. Dr. Hollis offers his insights into how we might navigate through constant change so we may live a richer and more considered life.Episode Summary
In this episode, we speak with Dr. Viktoriya Magid on the topic of childhood mental health and the many ways caregivers may offer support and guidance. Visit her at www.drviktoriyamagid.comConnect With Us
Helpful Links
Do you have a complaint regarding services being provided to a child by a state agency? Please submit your complaint to the South Carolina Department of Children’s Advocacy by phone (1-800-206-1957) or via the electronic submission form.
Notices
Language assistance services are available to you free of charge by calling 1-805-360-3326. Please enter Pin #: 81767494 and be prepared to state your language.
Los servicios de asistencia lingüística están disponibles sin cargo llamando al 1-805-360-3326. Por favor, ingrese su número de pin 81767494 y prepárese para decir su idioma.
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