Welcome to another inspiring episode of The JOY Factor Podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to have therapist Andrea Boyd, LCSW, as our guest. Andrea shares her expertise on EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process traumatic memories, restore nervous system health, and find greater balance and healing.

Tune in to learn:

• What EMDR is and how it works.
• The transformative impact EMDR can have on mental health.
• How EMDR helps individuals move from a state of survival to thriving.
• The surprising ways healing trauma connects us to joy.

Whether you're curious about EMDR for yourself or looking to understand more about this therapeutic approach, this episode is packed with insights and hope.

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about EMDR
• Connect with Andrea Boyd, LCSW: [Insert link or contact info]

Thank you for Listening

It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. 

Your support truly matters. If you feel led to offer a donation to keep our podcast running you can contribute here. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast 

Welcome back to the JOY Factor Podcast! In this second episode of our four-part series on using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to improve relationships, we dive into the crucial concept of Distress Tolerance. Learn how to navigate stress and conflict in your relationships without making things worse. Discover powerful skills like Radical Acceptance, self-soothing, and how to access your Wise Mind to make wise choices during difficult times.

What You'll Learn:

• The importance of Wise Mind and how to access it.
• The power of Radical Acceptance and its role in reducing emotional pain.
• Practical Distress Tolerance skills for improving relationships.
• Techniques for cultivating willingness and staying calm under pressure.

Key Quotes:

• "Wise Mind is the calm, clear-headed part of us that integrates our emotional and rational minds."
• "Radical Acceptance means fully accepting the reality of a situation without judgment or resistance."

Homework:

Practice these DBT Distress Tolerance skills in your relationships:

• Mindful Observation: Identify a recurring stressful situation and observe your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations without judgment. Note what triggers your stress and how you respond.
• Willingness in Action: When tension rises, practice “willing hands” by unclenching your fists, turning your palms upward, and taking deep breaths. Reflect on how this shift affects your ability to stay calm and present.
• Radical Acceptance Practice: Choose a specific aspect of your relationship that’s difficult to accept. Practice Radical Acceptance daily and notice how it influences your emotional reactions and sense of peace.
• Self-Soothing Ritual: Create a simple self-soothing ritual, such as deep breathing, sensory grounding, or listening to calming music, and use it during moments of distress.

Connect with Us:

• www.inner-evolution.com
• Instagram
• Facebook:
• YouTube

Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on itunes Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable content.

Join the Conversation:

Have a question or comment? We’d love to hear from you! Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #TheJOYFactor or drop us a line at [email protected].

Connect With Us:

• Take a DBT Class with us!
• Join Our Facebook Community

Welcome to the first episode of our 4 part series on using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for stronger relationships! In this episode, we dive into the foundational skill of mindfulness and the concept of Wise Mind.

Key Points:

• Mindfulness: Understanding the importance of being present in the moment and how it can improve our relationships.
• Wise Mind: Learning to balance emotion and reason to make sound decisions in our interactions.
• Practical Exercises: Guided mindfulness practice and tips to access your Wise Mind in daily life.

Stay Tuned: Next week, we'll focus on distress tolerance – techniques to manage intense emotions and stressful situations effectively.

Connect With Us:

• Take a DBT Class with us!
• Join Our Facebook Community

Hello, and welcome to episode 37 of The JOY Factor Podcast! My guest today is Safriana Degroat and we're chatting about considerations around safely using medical cannabis, According to the National Conference of State Legislators,  “As of Feb. 3, 2022, 37 states, three territories and the District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products.” Despite the rapidly increasing availability of medical marijuana there are too few settings where patients can have open conversations with their healthcare providers about their needs, concerns and experiences using cannabis. Too often people feel shame or judgement about their medical cannabis use and oftentimes doctors and therapists are ill-equiped or uninformed of how best to provide trauma informed care. Our conversation today will give you safety guidelines to consider and a way to explore best practices for use. 

Bio

Through her own personal healing journey, Safrianna embraced her passion for creating a world where all people can be “freely themselves”. She has a Masters in Community Mental Health and is a licensed professional therapist. In 2020, she founded her company, Luna Counseling & Creative Services, LLC, promoting wellness through therapy, education, and professional coaching. She recently launched Living LUNA with her wife, Ikenna. Living LUNA is a podcast and digital community that affirms the worth of all people, acknowledging the right for everyone to live life unashamed, full of love and authenticity. 

What does the phrase joy factor mean to you?

Safi’s joy factor = “making empowered choices again and again.”

What you do now influences your future enjoyment. 

A question she lives by:

Am I enjoying myself right now?

Remember, we have the power to take actions that do or don’t align with the ones that do.

What We’ll Learn

Safriana Degroat is not a medical doctor. Before trying any cannabis consult your doctor and DO NOT consume cannabis that has not been prescribed to you. Avoid purchasing cannabis off the street and keep all medical marijuana in a locked container out of reach of children or pets.

Medical Cannabis- how safe or dangerous is it?

Without proper medical guidance cannabis has a high potential to be abused or become addictive.

Safi shared her framework for safely exploring correct strains and doses once you have been approved for a medical marijuana card. Remember the acronym RIDER

Research- Do this for anything you ingest. What impact might it have on us if we have other medical issues or conditions? Ask your doctor. Research the strains ahead of time. Ask: What’s the turpine breakdown?

Intention- Understanding why you are trying to use cannabis in the first place. Get honest, be specific. What symptoms are you needing help treating? What other healing modalities are part of your plan? Remember, cannabis is not a stand alone treatment.

Documentation- Document your cannabis use if you want to fine tune what works best for your needs. Is it for pain, focus, writing? Safi uses different strains for specific reasons. Document how you were impacted when you use a specific strain. 

Experimentation- Find what works for us personally, and keep your dosing as small as possible. 

Repetition- Repeat the results, journal, look at dominant terpenes. 

Tips from Safi:

Be informed. Know the dosages and chemical compositions and don’t overdo it. 

Take as little as you can get away with and consult with your healthcare provider for ongoing guidance and support. 

Find other people you can trust to discuss, compare and learn for mutual benefit.  

For younger brains it’s not as good of a fit. If you are 24 or younger, this should not be a main part of your care plan.

How has medical marijuana affected her?

“It’s made me a more joyful person.” Cannabis and spiritual work have helped her healing from PTSD progress because she has found it easier to relax and integrate what she was learning and experiencing.  

“I dance more. I enjoy more. “

-Important Health Information-

From the website Cannabis Conversations 

What are the signs of cannabis use disorder?

Cannabis use disorder is the medical diagnosis for problematic cannabis use. Cannabis use is problematic when it begins to impact an individual’s life. Some common signs of cannabis use disorder include:

• Using more cannabis than intended
• Trying but failing to stop using cannabis when you want to
• Spending a lot of time using cannabis
• Craving cannabis
• Using cannabis even when it causes problems at home, at school, or at work
• Continuing to use cannabis despite social, relationship, or school-related problems
• Giving up important activities with family or friends in favor of using cannabis
• Using cannabis in high-risk situations, like while driving a car
• Continuing to use cannabis despite physical or psychological problems
• Needing to use more cannabis to get the same high
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use of cannabis

If you keep cannabis and cannabis products at your home, they should be stored safely, locked up, and out of reach of children and pets. Accidentally consuming edibles is a risk for children and pets that can result in cannabis toxicity or the need for emergency medical attention. If there is an accidental exposure to cannabis or cannabis products of any kind — call Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222 or visit your Emergency Room if needed. 

Motivational Figure, Quote something guiding light- 

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

What matters most in life is our peace and us radiating that peace out to others. Make more energy for our peace and then make others feel that peace.

Resources Mentioned

Leafly- Research new strains. 

Greenhealth Docs- telehealth appointments with 

High Yoga- Strains to use for different yoga poses.

I know why the Caged Bird Sings

Other Useful Information For Safe Dosing, Warnings and Guidelines. 

Important Information and Warnings about Medical Cannabis

• Before you start, talk with your doctor and therapist to create a medical marijuana care team.
• Startlow, go slow, stay low: 
• Start low- Studies show that beyond 20-40 mg/day for THC and 50-100 mg/day for CBD, there are no additional benefits from a higher dose for most patients. 
• Go slow- increase your intake very slowly, and try to stay as low as possible with amount consumed.
• Edibles can be dangerous because they are slower to digest. Use caution and wait at least 2 hours before taking another dose. Always, err on the side of caution.
• People at an increased risk of harm if they use medical cannabis include those who are: 
• Children, adolescents, young adults 18-25 
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• At increased risk of addiction or dependence
• Affected by serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia
• Diagnosed with heart or liver disease
• Do not operate heavy machinery or vehicles while using medical cannabis.
• Keep all medical cannabis stored in a locked container safely out of reach of children and pets. 
• Do not give away, trade or sell medical cannabis to others.
• Follow all applicable laws for the state you are in or are a resident of.

Reach Safi

https://www.safrianna.com/420friendly

Safi’s main hub is Discord- instant messaging

Living Luna Discord Community- social hub, hangout and uplift each other-Authentic Connection

She has a podcast- Living Luna talking about authenticity, marginalization, inviting other voices 

Launched a Patreon- Glad to receive financial support for people who believe in our mission.

www.safriana.com free resources- cannabis journal

Rise Program- Resilience, Integration, Self Empowerment- 

Building Blocks, Quick, Easy, Low Cost, High Impact

Thank you for Listening

It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. 

Your support truly matters. If you feel led to offer a donation to keep our podcast running you can contribute here. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast 

Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you! http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Today’s Show

Hello, and welcome to season 8, episode 36 of  The JOY Factor Podcast! My guest today is Dr. Sue Williams

Dr.Williams grew up in Iowa and earned her BA in Psychology at University of Iowa. She is a 2001 graduate of the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona. She specializes in Working with autoimmune diseases, Chronic Fatigue, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, LYME, MS, Hepatitis, cancer, ED, Asthma/Allregies, COPD, Macular Degeneration, Candida, Heart Disease, Mold toxicity, weight management. fertility issues and women’s health. Dr. Sue Williams vast health and wellness consultations over the past 18 years contributes to her ability to support individuals with chronic and acute conditions, she will refer individuals out as necessary. Sue Williams embraces her mission of helping individuals stay healthy and balanced.

Whether it is with her extensive knowledge of supplementation, ability to balance prescription medications with natural remedies, knowledge of ideal range values for blood chemistry, or her understanding of hormone interactions and genetic impacts on the body she always strives to treat the root of the problem without suppressing symptoms.

No matter what a patient is suffering from, she works with them to heal their entire life- from the foods they eat, to the activities they participate in, and the thoughts they think, to achieve whole-body restoration for each particular patient.

What does the phrase joy factor mean to you?

Today my joy factor is food. I love to eat and I love to cook as my love language. I put thought and care into the food we eat and for my family and am thankful for my ability to think about what we want to put into our bodies and feed our families. 

What We’ll Learn

Shop the parameters of the grocery store and eat as much organic food as possible. If you’re eating the skin of the food, try to buy organic. Sue recommends shopping at Aldi :). 

If you’re feeling achy or stiff…

What are you eating everyday?

• Evaluate your nightshade veggie consumption (tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, peppers)
• Joint pain/stiffness, headaches, chronic neck, back and shoulder pain are all signs of inflammation. Finger and feet swelling.
• Eat more apples- high in quercetin- anti-inflammatory.

Find the joy in getting started with a concrete goal and plan to eat more veggies! 

• Tips to help empower you to add more vegetables to your diet
• • Remember they are high in fiber- the more we have the more toxins can be washed out of our body. 
  • Choose a vegetable you like.
  • Half your plate should be vegetables.
  • Try some new vegetables.
  • Very easy to roast your vegetables.
  • Cauliflower rice is a great addition to most diets- tasty and easy to season.
• Ask- how do I make fresh foods and what is the easiest way to do it?
• • Saute
  • Pressure cooking/Instant Pot.
  • Add more beans to your diet!
  • Do it with love.

Emotional and Mental Tips

• See food as healing for the body
• What does my body need to feel strong and healthy?
• Ask good questions: 
• • Why am I eating this?
  • Will these chips make me feel better after I eat them? 
  • What side effects from the food am I getting?
  • Is there a better choice for me?
  • If I don’t have a better choice can I have my quick fix choice (chips etc.) can I have only one serving?

Tips for Eating Mindfully

• Pausing to ask: Where does your food come from?
• Say a prayer of thanks for the food
• Eat your food as slowly as possible
• • Enjoy the textures, smells, multiple flavors
  • Slow down and savor!

Resources Mentioned

30 Day Diabetes Miracle Cookbook

Foxpoint Spice-Great for vegetables

Justice Spice

Connect with Sue Williams: [email protected]

Thank you for Listening

It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast

Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Today’s Show

Hello, and welcome to episode 35 The JOY Factor. My guest today is trauma specialist and substance abuse counselor Stephanie Snyder. You can read more about Stephanie’s background here . 

Listen in as Stephanie shares her unique perspective on joy and healing as it relates to substance addiction and recovery.

What We’ll Learn

• Healing is a mind, body and soul experience.
• When someone starts the journey of healing and goes from surviving to thriving they are able to see joy and beauty in the little things and eventually the bigger things! 
• A recovery saying Stephanie references: I can hear the birds sing again. You have recovered enough and have healed enough that you can hear things that are outside of yourself instead of only being able to focus on what’s going on inside of you. 
• Questions to consider when considering getting help.
• We need to speak out against mental health stigmas. Labels dehumanize people. 
• Treatment success depends on having safe, non-judgmental space to address the fear and intimidation clients may feel.
• Recovery and the development of self-worth develops in phases.
• Families need to heal together. It’s not just one person, the whole family unit is impacted. 
• Society has put so many expectations on parents. The first thing to help parents understand: This is not your fault. 
• Our children learn how to cope with things not just through the family unit but from other things they’re surrounded by in society.
• A few considerations regarding medicinal marijuana use.
• Child’s brain is still developing until 21. Just like with alcohol and cigarettes, there’s a legal age and biological factors that need to be factored in. 
• Very important to educate yourself before you engage in any kind of medicine based treatment.
• You can’t advocate for yourself and learn how to take care of yourself if you don’t know what’s going into your body. 
• Consult a professional and educate yourself. 
• Medical grade and CBD products are very different from street marijuana. 
• The amount of fentanyl on the streets is scary. Very easily absorbed through the skin. 
• If someone is considering medical marijuana I advocate for them to do it the safe, legal way and not just buy it off the street. 

Favorite quote:

“My goal is to do better than I did yesterday.”

Resources 

Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration

Know the risks of marijuana

National Institute on Drug Abuse 

Trauma Informed Substance Abuse Treatment

Thank you for Listening

It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast

Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Hello and welcome to episode 34 of The JOY Factor Podcast. Today's show is sponsored by Prose.

Thanks to my personalized Prose routine, I can honestly say I’ve never been more in love with my hair!

Today we've got a special conversation with our guest Cheryl Rice Cheryl Rice works with women eager to be leaders in their own lives. Since 1990 she has been working with clients to improve individual, team and executive performance. In her powerful seminars, Cheryl inspires women to use their voice and vision for maximum impact. Her clients include: Pfizer, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Penn Medicine, Campbells Soup, and the Wharton School.

Cheryl is also the author of the inspiring memoir, Where Have I Been All My Life? A Journey Toward Love and Wholeness. Additionally, her essays on life, love and loss have appeared in local and national publications including the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Chicago Tribune, Cure Today, and Maria Shriver’s Blog, Architects of Change.

In 2016, Cheryl founded the You Matter Marathon – No Running Required - a global initiative that creates positive connections between individuals and within communities. With a BA in Psychology from Monmouth University, an MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and a MS in Organization Development from Pepperdine University, Cheryl brings significant academic training to compliment her practical work experience. Additionally, Cheryl has completed her professional coach certification, obtained a certificate in applied positive psychology and taught classes in organization change at local universities.

Cheryl's Contact Information:

[email protected]

www.youmattermarathon.com

https://www.facebook.com/YouMatterMarathon

https://www.instagram.com/youmattermarathon/

@umattermarathon

Additional Resources 

Sign up for You Matter Marathon

Thank you for Listening

It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast

Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Today’s Show

Welcome to episode 33 of the JOY Factor Podcast.

Today’s Guest is Jeff Harry 

What We’ll Learn

• It's ok to play.
• It's a skill we all have but need to remember.
• You deserve to have some play in your day.
• A playful attitude is contagious.
• Just for today...remember to play!

Reach out to Jeff

Your Joy Factor

It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. Did you learn anything that can help you with your own joy factor? If so, pass it on to your friends and family and give us a positive review at  The JOY Factor Podcast.

Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Welcome to Episode #32 of The JOY Factor. Today we're talking about art therapy with our guest Meg Mcmurdy.

Art therapy is a powerful healing modality for all ages and interests. Listen is as Meg shares her own journey and busts a few myths about what art therapy is and isn't. 

Meg McMurdy (she/her)

"As a trauma informed therapist, I have witnessed the power of art therapy to assist my clients in deepening their path to healing. Combined with cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness approaches, creative expression through art can support the whole person and be truly transformative. Making art isn’t required or expected but I offer it and will customize an approach best suited to your needs. Our work together will be guided by choice and you will have my undivided attention and support. I love working with adolescents and adults along with neurodiverse individuals and am skilled at treating anxiety, depression and ADHD symptoms. Being a life-long learner is something that I hold dearly and strive to make that passion come through in my work as a therapist. I believe that we can all heal, learn and grow best when we have time, support and tools to find relief from painful symptoms and stress patterns. It is a true honor to align with my client’s needs and help them imagine a better future. I am a graduate of The George Washington University where I received my Master’s in Art Therapy. I am an LGPC (Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor) and LGPAT (Licensed Graduate Professional Art Therapist)."

Meg’s Contact Information:

www.inner-evolution.com

Additional Resources 

• If you need help, please text SHARE to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line. You can also call The Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to be connected to free and confidential support and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.
• Check out the Quarantine Family Toolkit by Kristin Ramsey, ATR-BC, LPC, which offers suggestions and resources on how to talk with children about COVID-19, a sample daily schedule for working/learning at home, online apps, podcasts and other resources for daily activities, mindfulness activities and short guided muscle relaxation script, as well as many art activities instructions and examples.
•  Resources for addressing COVID-19 — The National Council for Behavioral Health offers resources to help manage coronavirus-related anxiety and to communicate with your kids about this crisis among other topics. Behavioral health care workers will also find resources including telehealth best-practices and implications for certain vulnerable client groups.
• Affirmations for Coping during Coronavirus Times — AATA Blog, March 30, 2020

https://www.expressiveartworkshops.com/expressive-art-resources/100-art-therapy-exercises/

Thank you for Listening

It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast

Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Today’s Show

Hello, and welcome to The JOY Factor. It’s good to be back here and I’m thrilled to have Sue Nesler joining me. She is a blended family maven and owner and CEO of Yoga East Healing Arts Studio and Counseling. So take a break and settle in to nourish your spirit and find a little joy.

About Sue

I am Sue Nesler MS, MA, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, NCC. A Blended family maven who exercises, gardens, and enjoys learning and cooking. I am the owner and CEO of Yoga East Healing Arts Studio which houses a yoga and meditation practice studio offering classes and yoga therapy, retail lounge, Registered yoga school at the 200 and 300 hour levels, an accredited meditation teacher training, and is the YTT educational hub in the Teri-State area in Cape Girardeau, MO. Also, a newly launched branch of the business-Healing Arts Counseling. A person-centered, holistic, and existential counseling service helping people find wellness and joy.

What We’ll Learn

• How awareness can transform our experience.
• What can shift when we take the time to take care our ourselves.
• How support from others can lay the groundwork for mind, body and spiritual healing.

Connect with Sue Nesler:

Sue’s Website

Facebook

Instagram

Thank you for Listening

It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. If you enjoyed the show, please share it with your friends and family. The JOY Factor Podcast

Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast

Brought to You by: 

Today’s Show

Welcome to episode 30 of the JOY Factor Podcast.

Today’s Guest is Bethany Perry, CAN, AAEC, IAHC, E-RYT

Bethany is an emerging thought leader on combining the power of neuroscience and intuition. She transforms the lives of women and men who are challenged with emotional and physical traumas.  Dedicating over 30 years of her life’s work to helping people heal and grow by creating a non-judgmental space where each individual can discover freedom from the past to live the life they desire. 

What We’ll Learn

• Brainspotting can help everyone find more freedom.
• Freedom means less space for  judgment and more for love
• Where we look affects how we feel.
• When we’re looking for something we tend to find it so why not make it joy?
• Focused reflection and practice leads to transformation and joy.

Resources Mentioned

Visit  http://www.bethanyperry.com for

two Guided Meditations on moving from fear to love. 

Reach out to Bethany:

http://www.bethanyperry.com

Amen Clinic

Your Joy Factor

It is a true honor to bring this podcast to you and I am so grateful that you took the time to listen. Did you learn anything that can help you with your own joy factor? If so, pass it on to your friends and family and give us a positive review at  The JOY Factor Podcast.

Do you have a second to complete this brief listener survey? It helps our show track who is listening so we can create topics of interest to you!  http://survey.libsyn.com/thejoyfactorpodcast