Podcast
The Hart of the Matter
Hosted by KJ Hart · EN
Greetings! I'm a therapist who specializes in EMDR, play therapy, somatic reprocessing, CBT, RBT, and sand tray. My ideal client is the most broken of the broken, little or big. I want to share with those listening what creates a therapist by sharing the lives and perspectives of mu friends and their unique journey into this field. I also want to relevant topics and stories that impact those that are working on their mental wellness.
7episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
KJ, Tom Episode 7
Dec 20, 202300:33:02Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this conversation, Kelly Hart interviews TR about his journey working in a male-dominated industry and his experiences in mentoring young men. TR shares his background in sports management and the various roles he has held in the industry. He discusses the challenges he faced in breaking into the sports industry and the importance of perseverance. TR also highlights the changing perceptions of masculinity and the impact it has on young men. The conversation then shifts to mental health, with TR sharing his definition of mental health and mental wellness. He emphasizes the importance of seeking help and the role of habits and relationships in maintaining mental wellness. TR concludes by discussing the lessons he has learned and his desire to give back and help others.TakeawaysBreaking into the sports industry can be challenging and may require sacrifice and persistence.The changing perceptions of masculinity can have an impact on young men's self-esteem and identity.Mental health involves addressing specific disorders, while mental wellness is a daily practice of balance and self-care.Habits such as exercise, mindfulness, and maintaining healthy relationships contribute to mental wellness.It is important to teach children the importance of finding a career they are passionate about and to prioritize their mental wellness.Seeking help and opening up about one's struggles is crucial for personal growth and overcoming challenges.Experiencing brokenness can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.There is hope for those going through difficult times, and reaching out for support can make a significant difference in one's journey.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background03:04Favorite Memories and Career Journey06:20Challenges in the Sports Industry09:34Challenges Faced by Young Men13:00Impact of Societal Changes on Mental Health14:30Definition of Mental Health and Mental Wellness16:45Habits for Mental Wellness18:01Teaching Mental Wellness to Children19:11Importance of Seeking Help21:31Lessons Learned and Giving Back26:53Overcoming Brokenness and Finding Hope30:01Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom
Transcribe →KJ, Clare | Episode 6
Dec 20, 202300:52:21Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this conversation, Kelly Hart and Claire Tran Burnett discuss various topics related to the field of counseling and mental health. They cover Claire's background and path to licensure, the challenges and barriers faced by young professionals, the importance of mental wellness, and the power of conversations in promoting positive change. They also explore the concept of therapeutic confrontation and its impact on clients. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for mindfulness, empathy, and self-reflection in the field of counseling. In this conversation, Clare and KJ discuss the importance of creating a safe space for vulnerability and open communication. They emphasize the need for supervisors to be attuned to their supervisees' well-being and provide support. The conversation also highlights the value of continuing the relationship beyond the supervisory role. Lastly, they stress the importance of consultation and having a strong professional network for support and guidance.TakeawaysThe path to licensure in counseling requires significant education, clinical work, and supervision.Barriers for young professionals in the field include finding job opportunities and quality supervision.The field of counseling faces challenges such as stigma and limited access to mental health services.Mental wellness is a personal and subjective experience, but it involves being mindful, having meaningful relationships, and being able to regulate emotions.Therapeutic confrontation, when done with empathy and love, can be a powerful tool for growth and change in therapy. Creating a safe space for vulnerability and open communication is crucial in a supervisory relationship.Supervisors should be attuned to their supervisees' well-being and provide support.Continuing the relationship beyond the supervisory role can be beneficial for both parties.Having a strong professional network for consultation and support is essential.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background02:29Path to Licensure05:09Supervision and Becoming a Supervisor07:48Barriers for Young Professionals09:13Challenges in the Field11:24Personal Life Lessons12:55Challenges on the Horizon15:00Importance of Mental Wellness16:17What Mental Wellness Looks Like22:45The Power of Conversations28:44Pearls of Wisdom38:20Therapeutic Confrontation49:36Creating a Safe Space for Vulnerability50:32Attunement and Support51:13Continuing the Relationship51:48The Importance of Consultation52:06Closing Remarks
Transcribe →KJ and Josh/ Episode 5
Dec 19, 202300:56:26Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this conversation, Joshua Lenox shares his educational path and journey to becoming a licensed clinical mental health counselor. He discusses the challenges and struggles in the mental health field, including the issue of low pay. Joshua emphasizes the importance of defining mental wellness and shares his perspective on what it means to be mentally well. He also highlights the need for changes in the mental health field and encourages individuals to remember their why and embrace their authentic selves. In this conversation, Joshua Lenox and KJ discuss the importance of being true to oneself and knowing one's purpose. They emphasize the value of focusing on who you are rather than what you do. They also highlight the significance of taking care of oneself and others, as well as the healing and understanding that can come from authentic relationships. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating boundaries and misunderstandings, and the importance of healing ruptures in relationships. Ultimately, they emphasize the creation of safety and trust in order to live authentically and do life together.TakeawaysThe journey to becoming a licensed clinical mental health counselor can be challenging and requires dedication and perseverance.Mental health professionals often face low pay and financial challenges in the field.Defining mental wellness is crucial, and it involves being attuned to oneself, setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and maintaining balance in various aspects of life.The mental health field needs changes, including better pay and support for professionals.It is important to remember your why and embrace your authentic self in your personal and professional life. Focus on who you are, not just what you do.Know your purpose and why you are here.Take care of yourself and recognize your worth.Healing and understanding can come from authentic relationships.Navigate boundaries and misunderstandings with open communication.Work through ruptures in relationships to create safety and trust.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background01:56Educational Path and Journey to Licensure07:26Challenges and Struggles in the Mental Health Field17:15Defining Mental Wellness23:27Problems and Changes Needed in the Mental Health Field33:37Remembering Your Why and Embracing Authenticity39:56Being vs. Doing41:21Knowing Your Why42:11Taking Care of Yourself and Others44:32Healing and Understanding in Relationships50:34Navigating Boundaries and Misunderstandings55:38Healing Ruptures in Relationships56:26Creating Safety and Trust57:18Closing Remarks
Transcribe →KJ and Dr. Awad Episode 4
Dec 19, 202300:50:46Tap to summarizeSummaryDr. Farid Awad shares his background and journey from Egypt to the US, his education and degrees, and his path to becoming a counselor. He discusses the challenges in the counseling profession, including the barriers to entry and the difficulties in accessing mental health care. Dr. Awad emphasizes the importance of resilience and mental wellness, which involves being able to bounce back from traumatic experiences and withstand the suffering of life. He highlights the need for a system that supports individuals in thriving in the midst of challenges. The conversation explores the importance of building resilience and mental well-being, the role of therapists in supporting mental health, the importance of self-care for therapists, making a difference and impacting the world, and ends with appreciation and gratitude.TakeawaysThe counseling profession has various challenges, including barriers to entry and difficulties in accessing mental health care.There is a need to reevaluate the requirements and processes for becoming a therapist to make it more equitable and accessible.Mental wellness involves resilience and the ability to bounce back from traumatic experiences and withstand the suffering of life.There is a need for a system that supports individuals in thriving in the midst of challenges and provides timely access to mental health care. Building resilience and mental well-being is crucial for maintaining mental health.Therapists play a vital role in supporting individuals and helping them navigate through challenges.Self-care is essential for therapists to prevent burnout and maintain their own well-being.Making a difference and impacting the world can be achieved by changing systems and leaving a positive imprint.Expressing appreciation and gratitude for the people who support and uplift us is important.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background01:11Dr. Awad's Education and Degrees02:35Meeting and Connection with Kelly Hart04:15Dr. Awad's Journey from Egypt to the US07:41Dr. Awad's Path to College and the Military10:07Transition to Counseling and the Challenges in the Field18:05Barriers to Entry in the Counseling Profession26:31Challenges in Accessing Mental Health Care38:42Definition of Mental Wellness44:31Building Resilience and Mental Well-being45:20The Role of Therapists in Supporting Mental Health46:15The Importance of Self-Care for Therapists47:43Making a Difference and Impacting the World49:30Appreciation and Gratitude
Transcribe →KJ, Lea | Episode 3
Dec 18, 202300:49:13Tap to summarizeSummaryThe conversation covers the guest's role as a physician assistant in mental health, the challenges faced by mental health professionals, the definition of mental wellness, and habits for strengthening mental health. The differences between SSRIs, norepinephrine, and ketamine are discussed, as well as the flaws in the healthcare system and the need for advocacy. A proposed plan for change is presented, which involves collective pooling of resources for insurance, retirement, and advocacy. In this conversation, KJ and Lea Brainerd discuss the need for advocacy and change in the healthcare industry. They emphasize the importance of standing together and advocating for better benefits, including insurance coverage for alternative treatments. They also discuss the struggles faced by mental health professionals and the need for change in regulations and reimbursement rates. Lea shares her personal experience of overcoming failure and offers pearls of wisdom, including the importance of being present and finding your tribe.TakeawaysPhysician assistants play a crucial role in mental health as psychiatric clinicians.The healthcare system presents challenges for mental health professionals, including poor mental health among providers and a focus on profit over patient care.Mental wellness involves finding individualized tools and coping skills that promote overall health and well-being.Ketamine therapy offers a different approach to treating mental illness, with rapid-acting antidepressant and anxiety effects.Advocacy and collective action are necessary to bring about meaningful change in the healthcare system. Advocacy is crucial in the healthcare industry to bring about change and better benefits for professionals.Standing together as a united front is the only way to make a significant impact and push for necessary reforms.The lack of benefits and insurance coverage for alternative treatments is a major issue that needs to be addressed.Mental health professionals face challenges in terms of regulations, reimbursement rates, and the need for better support.Learning from failure and embracing resilience is an important part of personal growth and development.Being present, finding tools that work for you, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community are essential for mental wellness.Chapters00:00Introduction and Guest Introduction01:06Differentiating the Guest's Role03:06Educational Requirements for a PA04:10Guest's Niche in Mental Health05:48Challenges Faced by Mental Health Professionals08:54Differences Between Older and Younger Clinicians13:24Definition of Mental Wellness15:45Habits for Strengthening Mental Health23:44Differences Between SSR...
Transcribe →Kj, Madison / Episode 2
Dec 18, 202300:30:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Kelly Hart interviews Madison Cooke, a soon-to-be licensed clinical mental health clinician and play therapist. Madison shares her personal journey of overcoming mental health struggles and finding healing through therapy, which inspired her to pursue a career in the field. She discusses the process of becoming a play therapist and the next steps after graduation. Madison also highlights the challenges of balancing personal and professional life during the internship phase and emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries. She shares her definition of mental wellness as the ability to bounce back from stress and not letting issues define or bring one down. Madison encourages new students and graduates to embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth and learning. She concludes by emphasizing the continuous learning journey in the field of mental health.TakeawaysPersonal experiences with mental health struggles can inspire individuals to pursue a career in the mental health field.Becoming a play therapist requires obtaining a graduate certificate or continuing education in play therapy.The internship phase can be challenging, but having a supportive community and setting boundaries is crucial for self-care.Mental wellness involves the ability to bounce back from stress and not letting issues define or bring one down.Mistakes and failures are opportunities for growth and learning in the mental health field.Chapters00:00Introduction and Background03:39Becoming a Play Therapist06:23Next Steps After Graduation09:01Challenges in the Field12:31The Importance of Boundaries17:46Defining Mental Wellness22:23Overcoming Failures and Mistakes25:58Advice for New Students and Graduates28:27The Continuous Learning Journey30:32Closing Remarks
Transcribe →Tina & Kj Episode 1
Dec 18, 202300:47:21Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this conversation, Kelly Hart interviews Tina , a designer and creator. Tina shares her journey into design and fashion, including her upbringing in a creative family and her decision to move from New York to North Carolina. She discusses her passion for design and the challenges she faces as a young professional. Tina also shares her perspective on mental wellness and the importance of self-care. The conversation concludes with a discussion of Tina's favorite failure and her future plans.TakeawaysFollow your passion and explore different opportunities.Give yourself grace and prioritize self-care.Overcome challenges and setbacks by betting on yourself.Define mental wellness as self-awareness and self-care.Embrace failure as a growth opportunity.Focus on what makes you happy and do what you want.Support small businesses and shop consciously.
Transcribe →