Heart Of Life Podcast

In this episode, Courtney Carter, LPC joins Brooke and Jesie in exploring the gifts of neurodivergence. Courtney shares her own journey of reclaiming the gifts of ADHD through trauma healing. A therapist herself, Courtney brings a unique perspective to the work of embracing our authenticity and unlearning negative thought patterns associated with our most genuine selves. If you or someone you know is neurodivergent, you'll find plenty of gems and takeaways in this episode.  Courtney is currently expanding and reimagining her work, and as soon as she lands, we'll link to where you can work with her.  If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast Episode segments Edit audio

In this episode, Heidi Bartle joins Jesie and Brooke in a discussion about what it's like to find hope even in the darkest times. Speaking candidly about her own relationship with mental illness, Heidi offers an honest look at what it feels like to grasp hope in the cycles of depression. Sharing the inspiration behind her book When Mommy Feels Sad, Heidi offers insight into how to look honestly at the dark we may find ourselves in while remaining open and reaching for the light.  You can find Heidi's book here.  If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Sara Correll, LAC, LPCC, NCC joins Brooke and Jesie in a discussion about help for the helpers. Whether you're a therapist, teacher, nurse, or the primary support in your family, there are nuggets of truth in this episode for you. Sara brings colorful imagery and gut-punching metaphor to what it's like to have too much on our plate.  With nearly a decade of experience, Sara brings her passion for people into her counseling practice. After working as an addiction counselor for several years, she completed her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. Addiction touches everyone involved, and Sara believes strongly that each person should have individualized treatment to meet their unique needs. She specializes in working with adults who struggle with addiction, issues related to addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, and chronic illness. She believes that the answers lie within the client and utilizes person-centered approaches to support her clients in finding the solutions they seek. You can find out more about Sara at Ellie Mental Health.  If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke reflect, lower walls, and invite other helpers in the guild of healing to bring their passions forward. Founded on the belief of abundance in our field, Brooke and Jesie believe there is enough for us all to have what we need and space for us all in this healing work. If you're a therapist (anywhere in the United States) and would like to join us, reach out to us here. We can't wait to hear from you! If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie take the body-positive conversation deeper than the aesthetic. Deeper than delighting in our bodies, this episode invites listeners to identify and practice "standard acts of love" even on the days we are most "out of love" with our bodies.   "Shine a great light on your most amazing qualities, we tend to focus on the negative aspects of us and forget all the greatness that we have within." -Harnaam Kaur The card referenced in this episode comes from The Body Gratitude Card Deck by Jess Sanders If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie discuss the necessity of fear and how it differs from anxiety. Allowing for a gentler relationship with fear, and inviting curiosity into our humanity. Can we allow our fear and judgment to be quieter than our curiosity and compassion?  "Am I confronting my fears and overcoming them?" The card referenced in this episode comes from The Reflect Deck If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

Finishing the exploration of the concept of "intentional change" in the final part of this three-part series, Jesie and Brooke break down the idea of sustainable change based on our values. Part three walks listeners through a value sort in real time, along with helpful exploratory questions and prompts. Join Brooke and Jesie in this final installment of the sustainable change series, identifying value categories and forming truly sustainable values-based goals.  The link to the free values sort can be found HERE. The link to the values sort video on our Instagram page can be found HERE. If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

Continuing the exploration of the concept of "intentional change" in the second part of this three-part series, Jesie and Brooke break down the idea of sustainable change based on our values. Part two explores how change can happen in "one-degree movements" instead of monumental shifts.  The benefit of swapping outcome-driven goals for values-based goals and shifting our motivation to internal sources instead of external ones.  The link to the free values sort can be found HERE.  The link to the values sort video on our Instagram page can be found HERE.  If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

Brooke and Jesie are back in 2023 after a rest-filled break. Exploring the concept of "intentional change" in this three-part series, Jesie and Brooke break down the idea of sustainable change based on our values.  Part one explores the importance of reflection on growth and how we can engage in a "needs assessment" before making monumental shifts in our lives. If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke talk frankly about how compelling "being busy" has become and the way we might use it to avoid the feeling and processing necessary to be effective. The idea is introduced that perhaps rest is where we find our most effective, creative, whole, and healed self. We'll be back in January with new Heart of Life Episodes and we wish you replenishing rest in that fallow season.  "Am I being effective or just busy?" The card referenced in this episode comes from The Reflect Deck If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke navigate the discomfort that arises when we allow the approval of others to become less important than becoming who we are meant to be. Discussing the ways that releasing the need for approval often results in a "pendulum swing" and how to find the balanced middle in between extremes. "When I give up the need for others' approval, I am free to become who I truly am." The card referenced in this episode comes from The Affirmation Cards for Women deck by Casey Wiegand If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie disrupt the magical thinking that there is a point where we "have it all figured out." In this episode, we invite listeners to rest in the awareness of how far they've come instead of how far there is left to go. Join us in the invitation to use play and rest to gently sit in the healing plateaus.  "Don't get so weighed down by your worries that you forget to live." The card referenced in this episode comes from Listen B*tch affirmation card deck. If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Jesie and Brooke understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke delve into the myth that "just one more thing" can break us. Separating the ideas of damage from brokenness, and the ways we are built to withstand even the hardest circumstances in life.  "I know it's not easy, but you were not built to break." The card referenced in this episode comes from Listen B*tch affirmation card deck.  If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Jesie and Brooke understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie explore how we can feel energetically depleted or filled in our relationships. How can we notice our energy in relationships and become more mindful of the energy we bring to our own relationships and more conscious of how we are impacted?  "Which people give me energy and which people take it away?" The card referenced in this episode comes from The Reflect Deck If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke discuss stepping outside of our comfort zones. Learning to differentiate between the safety of familiarity and the growth awarded in discomfort.  "When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?" The card referenced in this episode comes from The Reflect Deck If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie press into the reminder that we don't fully know the end of our stories. Finding the choices available in the "messy middle" and how we can remain present even in the hardest parts of our stories.  "I know that each breath confirms that I am alive and far from finished. I am just getting started." The card referenced in this episode comes from The Dreamers Deck If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast Episode segments Edit audio

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie explore how the stories we tell ourselves can impact our ability to grow. From relationships, healing, and our view of self, how can we start to live better stories, and let go of the ones that no longer serve us?  "Remember you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens." -Louis Hay The card referenced in this episode comes from The Body Gratitude Card Deck by Jess Sanders If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Erica Henkel joins Brooke and Jesie in demystifying the work of Intuitive Energy Healing. If you've ever wondered what the "energy stuff" was all about, this is the episode for you. Erica describes her journey from being a skeptic to a believer in the idea that our bodies have a vital flow of energy pulsing through them. This “Life Force Energy” is something we are all able to tune into, and by doing so, can allow us to receive information from our bodies. If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie dive into the ambiguous work of defining "intuition." How can we learn to tune into, listen to, trust, and be guided well by our deep knowing and intuition? "I know that sitting in silence is the surest way to hear my intuition speak. I am listening." The card referenced in this episode comes from The Dreamers Deck If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast Episode segments Edit audio

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke explore the relationship between trying to control our world, versus empowering ourselves to impact our own world. How can we reclaim our power and learn to let go of the pressure to control every circumstance?  "I know that focusing my attention on things I cannot control distracts me from my journey. I am letting go."  The card referenced in this episode comes from The Dreamers Deck If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke discuss how to embrace our bodies with a "compassionate touch." Discussing self-pleasure, body respect, and reconnecting to our bodies as our own.  "Touch your body without shame or embarrassment or thoughts of it needing to be something else. Give yourself a hug before bed and tell yourself that it will be okay. Touch yourself with kindness every day-you're in this relationship for the long haul." -Megan Jayne Crabbe The card referenced in this episode comes from The Body Gratitude Card Deck by Jess Sanders If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

Heart of Life Podcast is back for a second season! In this season, Heart of Life invites you to join us. Whether you'd like to ask a question, share your story, or join us on an episode, we want to connect with you.  In this episode, Brooke and Jesie reflect on the importance of a healthy connection and how we can engage authentically in a genuine connection.  "Our ability to connect with others is innate, wired into our nervous systems, and we need connection as much as we need physical nourishment." -Sharon Salzberg The card referenced in this episode comes from The Body Gratitude Card Deck by Jess Sanders If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share your story, ask a question, or join us on an episode of the podcast, contact us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie are Joined by Julie Harker, the genius behind Riverbend Counseling's social media. Julie, Brooke, and Jesie talk about what it's felt like over the last 27 episodes of the Heart Of Life Podcast. They share themes and takeaways, as well as hopes for season two! If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke talk about what quality therapy feels like and how to understand the work that happens in the therapy office. Talking through grief work, trauma work, and skills enhancement, Brooke and Jesie offer practical ways to know you've found a solid therapeutic relationship and how to prepare for the healing that can happen in therapy. Jesie and Brooke also speak to fellow therapists in this episode and offer listeners an idea of what that very first appointment can be like.  If you're located in Colorado and interested in working with one of the therapists at Riverbend Counseling, reach out to us at www.riverbendcolorado.com Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke differentiate between the search for approval, versus the need for attunement. Unpacking the experience of someone longing for their mother to express pride in them, but never feeling they get it. Brooke and Jesie offer practical ways to engage in our community, improve self-esteem, and cultivate a realistic understanding of childhood attachment to allow us to move through life, whether or not approval exists.  Jesie and Brooke understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie shed light on how family shame and family secrets are created and maintained. This week's letter writer asks where their own bravery is in confronting the hidden, painful, and unspoken truths within their family system. Drawing on the examples given in Disney's "Encanto," Jesie and Brooke walk through how family systems can often close off the "truth speaker" and what to do if you are the one pointing at the cracks in your own family system.  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie are joined by Riverbend Collective Member Phyllis McComb. This week's letter asks a straightforward question about how our attachment styles impact our relationships in adulthood. Phyllis joins Jesie and Brooke in explaining how attachment forms, what it means about us, and how it can impact our ability to show up in relationships. Challenging the idea that we "are our attachment," this episode explores ways to see attachment style as one part of ourselves, and how to move more closely to security in relationships.  To find out more about Phyllis and other Riverbend Collective Therapists, visit the website: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/ Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke explore the ways we can be stuck in uncertainty when decisions need to be made. Releasing the pressure of outcomes and being attached to the "right or wrong" answers, Brooke and Jesie offer suggestions to release ourselves from certainty. This week's letter writer wonders if he should be a dad and if he has what it takes to "be a good one." Join Jesie and Brooke as they broaden the conversation to allow space for the unknown.  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke are joined by Riverbend Collective Member Phyllis McComb.  This week's letter writer finds themself battling what feels like a never-ending pattern of self-sabotage. Phyllis joins Brooke and Jesie in exploring some of the reasons we can get in our own way, and how the familiarity of unhelpful behaviors can be so compelling. Providing realistic and practical skills, this episode offers a road out of self-sabotage.  To find out more about Phyllis and other Riverbend Collective Therapists, visit the website: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/ Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie talk about the human body as a whole system. Discussing the connection between our mind and body, and the ways in which stress can impact us on all levels. This week's letter writer asks curiously about how the mind and body are connected, and how what is happening to us on an emotional or mental level can have such deep impacts on our bodies. Join Brooke and Jesie as they untangle the mind-body connection.  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke face conflict in relationships head-on. Exploring why conflict can feel so scary, what to do about those emotional and physical responses, and even how to appreciate them. In this episode, Brooke and Jesie propose the idea that relationships can actually improve with conflict, and that closeness can even increase when we bravely step towards discomfort.  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke welcome back Licensed Clinical Social Worker Erica Henkel to the podcast for part two on healthy sexuality! Erica specializes in taking a holistic approach to engage a mind-body connection and treating spiritual and religious trauma. Erica also specializes in working with individuals, particularly women, deconstructing ideas around their sexuality as a result of influences like purity culture. This week Brooke, Jesie, and Erica continue the discussion around how to merge emotional love with a healthy sexual relationship. Providing tangible tips, and clear parameters around healthy sexuality, this episode holds space for both those consciously choosing abstinence and those looking to improve their sexual relationships and understanding of themselves.  To find out more about Erica and her work, follow her on Instagram @truenorthholisticcounseling or check out her website: https://linktr.ee/Ericahenkel.lcsw Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie welcome Licensed Clinical Social Worker Erica Henkel to the podcast! Erica specializes in taking a holistic approach to engage a mind-body connection and treating spiritual and religious trauma. Erica also specializes in working with individuals, particularly women, deconstructing ideas around their sexuality as a result of influences like purity culture.  This week's letter writer asks why the sexual intimacy in her marriage is difficult, despite having "done it right" by waiting until marriage to have sex. Erica, Jesie, and Brooke draw from personal and professional experience to help sift through helpful and unhelpful ideas around sexuality.  To find out more about Erica and her work, follow her on Instagram @truenorthholisticcounseling or check out her website: https://linktr.ee/Ericahenkel.lcsw Jesie and Brooke understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke welcome Riverbend Collective Member Phyllis McComb to the podcast! Phyllis specializes in working with women who are navigating early childhood and attachment traumas. Phyllis works with a variety of therapeutic interventions, including hypnotherapy. This week's letter writer finds herself battling with the stigma around accessing mental health support and how to navigate her family's resistance to her needing a therapist. Phyllis helps Jesie and Brooke debunk some of the most common myths around mental health, and answers that nagging question of what exactly hypnotherapy is.  To find out more about Phyllis and other Riverbend Collective Therapists, visit the website: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/ Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke welcome Riverbend Collective Member Jeanne Wickham to the podcast! Jeanne specializes in the treatment of addiction and trauma through gentle and respectful intervention. In recovery herself, Jeanne shares openly with our listeners about her journey and how her expertise can help this week's letter writer.  This week's letter writer finds himself recently sober and confused as to why his wife and family are hesitant to allow him to come close. Through a balanced approach of internal responsibility and community support, Jeanne, Brooke, and Jesie untie the confusion around how families respond to new behavior.  To find out more about Jeanne and other Riverbend Collective Therapists, visit the website: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/  Jesie and Brooke understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke challenge the ideas of "singleness as a waiting season" and the notion of "soulmates." This week's letter begs the question "how can I find the person that is my missing piece?" Taking a closer look at how we choose partners, Brooke and Jesie offer the insight that perhaps it's about character and aligned values. Jesie and Brooke invite you to ditch the "checklist" in exchange for an open mind about love.  Jesie and Brooke understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie unpack the middle ground between selfishness and selflessness. This week's letter writer worries if they'll still be seen as "good" if they stop doing "everything for everyone." Pulling from personal experience and concepts around identity and boundary setting, Brooke and Jesie offer a fresh perspective on finding the beautiful middle in how we can show up for others, after first showing up for ourselves.  Jesie and Brooke understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke dive deep into the idea of authenticity. How do we allow all parts of ourselves to show up when the fear of doing so can feel so big? Brooke and Jesie explore how knowing our values can root us in safe authenticity. Using ideas from Internal Family Systems (IFS) Jesie and Brooke examine how facing our darkest parts of self can help us welcome our whole selves into the light.  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie discuss how vulnerability can look different for all of us. While it's a universal desire to experience closeness and belonging, the vulnerability needed to do so can sometimes be frightening. The writer in this week's letter asks how a "type A nerd" can ever comfortably engage in vulnerability. Jesie and Brooke unpack some of the assumptions about vulnerability and provide tangible tools to explore vulnerability in ways that are safe, brave, and specific to each person.  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke discuss the ways we can find peace in our relationship with our bodies. More than body acceptance, this week's episode encourages us to separate our worth from our appearance. This week's letter writer describes growing up feeling displaced from their body and struggling to find love or even neutrality for their body. Brooke and Jesie challenge the idea that our bodies are projects and instead invite listeners to come "home" to their bodies...thanking our bodies for all they allow us to do.  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke dive deep into how forgiveness is not necessary for healing. Many times, we assume forgiveness is the necessary component for moving through pain when in reality, shifting to forgiveness too quickly can have detrimental outcomes. This episode's letter writer wonders how they can imagine a future without the burden of anger and resentment towards those who have hurt them. Brooke and Jesie offer the idea that wading through the "messy middle" before forgiveness can move us much closer to healing.  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie navigate the hard work of changing behavior and relational patterns. Often, we learn how to move through the world based on templates we saw the adults in our lives use themselves. This episode's letter writer asks how she can step out of old patterns of parenting that were handed to her, and into a more authentic relationship with her children. Jesie and Brooke provide surprising ways to get to the heart of what's important in changing behavior, and in modeling emotional authenticity for little ones.  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie talk through what to do when someone else's emotions are filling all the relational space. This episode's letter writer wonders if it's fair to challenge someone to struggle when our boundaries are being crossed. Jesie and Brooke untangle the difference between having "compassion for" and taking "responsibility of" someone else's emotional experience. Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke discuss the pain of grief in the holiday season. This episode's letter writer shares vulnerably about his suffering in grief and the fear that he won't be able to cope through the holidays after recently losing his mother. In this episode, Brooke and Jesie challenge the idea that mourning must look the same for everyone, and provide some practical tips for holding onto love and connection, even in the darkest of seasons. Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke address self-trust, betrayal trauma, and loss. This episode's letter writer questions whether they'll ever be able to love again following a heartbreaking relational loss. Brooke and Jesie offer tangible steps in coming back to trusting ourselves and learning to love again after heartbreak. Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Jesie and Brooke address boundaries, loss, and the difficulty of letting go and creating new traditions. This episode's letter writer questions how to honor their own holiday traditions while respecting a family member renegotiating their relationship with religion. Jesie and Booke discuss practical ways to honor our own needs while allowing boundaries to create space for connection and relationship. Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie address shame, regret, and forgiveness. This episode's letter writer questions whether they'll ever be free from feelings of shame and able to move forward. Jesie and Booke discuss practical ways to relate to shame and provide some life-giving reminders about what redemption and forgiveness really mean.  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Brooke and Jesie address gratitude, abundance, and the ways in which we can hold opposing ideas together. This episode's letter writer asks why they "aren't feeling any better after their gratitude practice." Jesie and Brooke offer the idea that expressing gratitude for people, attachments, experiences and a more abundant mindset may allow us to feel more of the positive effects of a gratitude practice. In case you've forgotten, Heart of Life Podcast and Riverbend Counseling is grateful for YOU, our listeners, and for the abundance and light you bring into our world. Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Heart of Life podcast co-hosts Jesie and Brooke take time to introduce Jesie's story. Delving into the ways we learn about who we're meant to be, the roles we play in our lives, and the soulful work of coming home to ourselves.  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

In this episode, Heart of Life podcast co-hosts Jesie and Brooke take time to introduce Brooke's story. Recalling impactful moments that led her to the mental health field, and sharing her perspective on humans, healing, and the work of telling one's story well.  Brooke and Jesie understand the courage and bravery it takes to share one's story. If you'd like to share yours, submit here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast

The Heart of Life Podcast is finally here! Sponsored by Riverbend Counseling in Colorado Springs. Through stories, personal connection, empowerment, and empathy, this podcast will inspire listeners to hold space for their own stories and healing. We're honored to hold space for your story. If you'd like to submit your story or question, find us here: https://www.riverbendcolorado.com/podcast