A Hero's Welcome Podcast
A Hero’s Welcome Podcast Hosted by Maria Laquerre Diego, and Liliana Baylon, both LMFT-S and RPT-S A Hero’s Welcome is a podcast for mental health professionals committed to culturally responsive care. Each episode features in-depth conversations with clinicians, supervisors, and consultants who bring diverse perspectives to the forefront. We discuss mental health topics including psychotherapy models, clinical interventions, trauma-informed practices, and the role of cultural humility in therapeutic work. Our guests share their experiences serving children, families, and communities impacted by systemic stressors, offering insights and practical tools for fellow practitioners. Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of culturally competent care or seeking a community that values diversity and inclusion, A Hero’s Welcome offers a space for reflection, learning, and growth. Hosts: Maria Laquerre-Diego maria@anewhopetc.org Liliana Baylon liliana@lilianabaylon.com
Episodes
Demystifying the complex world of childhood trauma behaviors demands more than clinical knowledge—it requires a profound shift in how we view challenging behaviors altogether. Robin, a seasoned former therapist who specialized in supporting families of children with trauma histories, joins us to transform how we interpret behavior that seems baffling, dangerous, or personally directed.
At the heart of this co...
Discover the transformative power of earned security in attachment theory with the insightful Clair Mellenthin, the brilliant mind behind Attachment-Centered Play Therapy. Clair unveils her pioneering research on the journey of registered play therapists, highlighting how their attachment histories deeply influence their professional and personal lives. This conversation offers a beacon of hope, emphasizing that early...
Ever wonder how law enforcement officers manage their roles' immense stress while maintaining their identities? Our insightful guest, Anjuli Raven Thompson, a licensed professional counselor supervisor, steps into the spotlight to share her fascinating journey as a mental health advocate for police officers. Inspired by her husband's lengthy career in law enforcement, Anjali has carved out a unique niche by ...
Dr. Meyleen Velasquez, an inspiring Latina clinician, joins us to share her profound journey in mental health, shaped by her own life with vitiligo and her dedication to working with perinatal and early relational health. Embarking on this path in Miami, she was one of the few Spanish-speaking clinicians, leading her to specialize in play therapy. We explore her newly published book, "What Therapists Need to Know...
Unlock the secrets of intergenerational trauma with Milagros "Mili" Sarmiento Shoemaker, a distinguished therapist who bridges cultures from Argentina to the United States. Have you ever wondered how the experiences of your ancestors shape your life today? This episode promises insights into understanding trauma as a survival mechanism that transcends generations, using historical contexts, like wars and mig...
Join us for a compelling conversation with Sybil Cummin, a licensed professional counselor whose expertise in domestic violence sheds light on a topic often misunderstood. Sybil takes us beyond the physical aspects of abuse, highlighting the more subtle yet equally damaging forms of control and manipulation that can infiltrate relationships. From financial manipulation to spiritual abuse, Sybil unpacks the various way...
What happens when the professional world of mental health meets the personal journey of neurodivergence? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Robert Jason Grant, who shares his profound experience of being diagnosed with sensory processing disorder as an adult. Dr. Grant opens up about the internalized ableism he faced and the role the autistic community played in his journey towards acceptance. We explore the often condit...
What if the relentless drive for success is harming you? Join Maria Diego and Liliana Baylon as they critically examine the hustle culture that saturates the mental health field. Inspired by their recent book club reading, "Dynamic Drive," they share personal experiences from their rigorous academic journeys and career paths. Together, they challenge the idea that relentless hustling is necessary for success...
When tragedy strikes a community, mental health professionals rush to provide support—but who supports them? This candid conversation explores the often-overlooked challenges faced by therapists in the aftermath of a recent mass shooting in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
We dive into the harsh reality that mental health providers are expected to function as first responders without receiving the recognition, resourc...
What happens when the cost of having your voice heard threatens your wellbeing? In this raw, unplanned conversation, we explore the painful reality many professionals face: choosing which battles to fight and which to walk away from.
The discussion begins with a triggering incident in a professional setting where unprofessional behavior created a hostile environment. From there, we unpack the specific challen...
Explore the transformative world of play therapy with our insightful guest, Jackie Flynn, a passionate mental health counselor and play therapist from Central Florida. In this enlightening episode, we unpack the power of play therapy to heal psychological trauma across all ages, thanks to the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and change. Jacqueline shares her inspirational journey and dedication to making menta...
What if mental health care could be as inviting as a spa day? We sit down with Joy Ewing, a trailblazer in holistic therapy and owner of Joy Life Counseling, to uncover how she's transforming mental health support for the BIPOC community in Aurora, Colorado. Joy shares her groundbreaking approaches, including emotionally focused therapy (EFT), EMDR for trauma, and alternative therapies like neurofeedback and yoga...
What happens when the pressure to be "twice as perfect" meets the complexities of cultural identity? Join us as trauma therapist and author Vanessa Pezo unravels this very question in our latest episode. Vanessa's groundbreaking book, "The Latinx Guide to Liberation," provides a powerful framework for understanding the pressures Latinos face navigating American and Latino cultural expectations...
What if embracing your own imperfections could not only enhance your life but also positively impact those around you? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rose Lapierre as we unravel the art of mindful self-compassion. Inspired by thought leaders like Dr. Kristin Neff and the Dalai Lama, Rose shares her transformative journey, shedding light on how recognizing our shared human struggles can cultivate compass...
What if navigating the world felt like a constant battle against invisible forces? Dr. Cadet, a Black, disabled woman, shares her compelling journey through high school discrimination, chronic pain, and the societal tensions that inspired her book, "White Supremacy Is All Around: Notes from a Black, Disabled Woman in a White World." As an advocate, leader, and owner of the Oakland Roots and Soul soccer teams...
Jessica Cauthorne is back for a special bonus episode of A Hero's Welcome Podcast, and she’s bringing her insights on the power of inclusive representation in play therapy. Discover how her upcoming workshop at the Play Therapy Disney Bound conference is set to revolutionize approaches to mental health support for the LGBTQ+ community. Learn how beloved Disney narratives like The Owl House and Strange World are m...
Julie Jacobs, a psychologist turned attorney, offers a treasure trove of insights for mental health providers seeking to navigate the often intimidating world of subpoenas. Ever wondered how to maintain composure when faced with legal documents demanding client information? This episode promises to equip therapists with the knowledge and confidence to tackle these challenges head-on. Julie's unique journey from p...
What if you could harness the magic of Disney to make complex mental health concepts accessible and relatable? Join us as we chat with Lisa Androvich, a spirited licensed marriage family therapist and registered play therapist who brings a whimsical touch to therapy by channeling her inner Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey. In this enchanting episode of A Hero's Welcome Podcast, Lisa shares her innovative present...
What happens when a therapist becomes a full-time caregiver? Meet Jared Andes, a licensed clinical social worker and registered play therapist supervisor who opens up about his emotional and physical journey while caring for his medically dependent son. Jared shares the recent challenges of simultaneously caring for his younger son and wife, leading to an intense period of burnout. Hosts Maria LaCare and her co-host, ...
What if you could unlock the hidden resilience and healing power within children through the magic of play? Join us for an illuminating conversation with Kathryn Raley, an LPC Registered Play Therapist and supervisor, as she reveals her journey from working with adolescents to her profound discovery of play therapy with very young children. Kathryn shares her insights into the fears therapists often face when working ...
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