Join me and Licensed Mental Health Counselor Ivan Gonzalez as we chat about the importance of friendships and community in relation to mental health. We discuss the need for more than just "awareness" when it comes to this conversation that is happening globally, and how we as parents can provide environments for our children that encourage true expression of emotions and feelings. I promise you, this podcast is not just for men! Ivan Gonzalez is the Co-Owner of Holistic Counseling Group. For more information about their services visit www.holisticcounselinggroup.com THIS WEEK'S SHOP THE EPISODE TEE IS AVAILABLE HERE: https://www.peacelovetshirt.com/collections/rooted-gypsy-soul

Noelle Moore of the Finley Project joins us again to share what's new with her amazing organization that partners with mothers who have experienced infant loss, and to share about her new, and first book ever, More Than I'm Sorry, and its accompanying guide for care givers. Listen in to hear Noelle's story and learn how you can support their efforts, and what it truly means to stand in the gap with people who are grieving. Visit thefinleyproject.org to learn more.

If your kids are anything like mine they love playing on their devices, whether that's a phone, tablet, computer or video game console. After taking Dr. Brenna Hicks' course and reading her book Device Detox, my husband and I learned about the physiological, behavioral, and emotional dangers of too much screen time for kids. Using the techniques of Play Therapy found in her book we have managed to bring peace and less screen time to our own home. Listen in as Dr. Brenna shares some of the data behind these statements as well as strategies, tips, and tricks for getting your kids to choose making memories and being present over their beloved screens. For a deeper dive and broader discussion on this topic, join Dr. Brenna Hicks at Discovery Church Winter Garden Campus (just west of Orlando, FL) on Saturday, February 11th. More details including time, registration costs, and registration can be found here: https://discoveryfl.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1570404 Dr. Brenna Hicks is the Owner of The Family Counselor Center & The Kid Counselor Center in Tampa, FL. https://www.thefamilycounselorcenter.com You can also listen to the Play Therapy Parenting podcast everywhere you enjoy podcasts!

Playologist and "Bomb Mom" Yolonda Deon joins me to round out Black History Month as we discuss her family's amazing legacy of entrepreneurship dating back to the 1940's, how she's raising her own daughter to be an entrepreneur, and how things like yoga, play, and curiosity can help all of us live a little more peacefully in our daily lives. To learn more about Yolonda and all the things she has going on at www.yolondadeon.com.

My brave friend Emily Wilhelm shares her story of her battle with depression and self-harm in an effort to shine a light on a still-taboo subject in Christian circles. Join us as we share honestly about mental health, how Christians can navigate challenging conversations around topics like suicide and medication, and be a tangible representation of Jesus to their friends or family members who may be struggling as well.