Welcome to the Cultivating Calmness Podcast with your host, Kaela Vance. In this episode, Kaela addresses the often-overlooked topic of grief, specifically focusing on the profound experience of losing a child, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infancy. As October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Kaela provides valuable insights into the intricate facets of grieving for parents who have experienced such a loss. She takes us on a poignant journey through a day in the life of a grieving parent, highlighting the countless triggers and reminders that can make the grieving process so challenging. Kayla emphasizes that grief is a deeply personal and ongoing journey, and she encourages us to be understanding and empathetic towards those who are navigating this painful path. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of this unique form of grief and the importance of supporting those who are enduring it.

Episode #9 - Grief & Loss: Coping with Child Loss

The Cultivating Calmness Podcast, hosted by Kaela Vance, offers a heartfelt exploration of grief, trauma, and healing. Kaela, a trauma and grief therapist based in Dublin, Ohio, shares her personal journey of coping with the loss of her mother to Ovarian Cancer at a young age and how it shaped her path towards therapy. In this episode, she candidly discusses how grief evolves over time and how it can resurface in different phases of life. Kaela provides insights into the complexities of grief and trauma responses, offering comfort and relatability to listeners who have experienced similar losses. This podcast is a compassionate and informative space for those seeking understanding and healing in the face of life's challenges.

Episode #21 - Navigating Grief: From Trauma to Resilience

Welcome to the Cultivating Calmness Podcast with your host, Kaela Vance. Today, we delve into the importance of Vitamin D and how it affects our overall well-being. Kaela emphasizes the connection between Vitamin D and mental health. She explains that, especially during the winter months, when sun exposure is limited, many people become deficient in this essential nutrient. Kaela shares insights on different sources of Vitamin D, such as sunlight, fatty fish, Cod Liver Oil supplement, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin D3 supplements. Additionally, she highlights the significance of Vitamin K2 and Magnesium in conjunction with Vitamin D and suggests exploring the broader context of health and lifestyle factors. Tune in for valuable insights on optimizing your Vitamin D levels and holistic well-being. 

[Please remember that the Cultivating Calmness Podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.]

Episode #22 - Vitamin D: Health, Mood, and More

Welcome to the Cultivating Calmness Podcast with your host, Kaela Vance. In this episode, Kaela explores Valentine's Day from a unique perspective, acknowledging both the joy it brings to many and the challenges it poses for others. She shares personal stories and insights, encouraging listeners to find joy in small moments and to look for positives even amidst difficult circumstances. Kaela also offers a heartwarming activity idea for kids and loved ones, reflecting on the power of positivity and love in our lives. Join Kaela as she shares her thoughts on this special day, reminding us all to find love and joy in unexpected places.

Episode #24 - Valentine's Day: Celebrating Love and Loss

Welcome to the Cultivating Calmness Podcast with your host, Kaela Vance. Kaela explores the crucial topic of testing, including blood, urine, and saliva tests, often overlooked in traditional healthcare. She delves into why these tests are essential, particularly when patients feel something is amiss despite normal results. Kaela advocates for comprehensive testing, such as full hormone panels and thorough thyroid tests, to provide a holistic view of one's health. She emphasizes the importance of understanding test results to guide lifestyle changes and achieve overall wellness. Join Kaela as she demystifies testing and empowers listeners to take charge of their health journey.

Episode #25 - Decoding Health: The Role of Comprehensive Testing

In this episode of the Cultivating Calmness Podcast, host Kaela Vance explores the representation of therapy in movies and television. Drawing from her recent viewing of Law and Order SVU, Kaela reflects on how therapists are portrayed on screen and the discrepancies between media portrayals and real-life therapy. She discusses popular films like Patch Adams and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, as well as TV shows like In Treatment and Couples Therapy, highlighting both accurate and inaccurate depictions of therapy. Through this exploration, Kaela invites listeners to consider their own perceptions of therapy in media and how it may influence their views on seeking therapy in real life.

Episode #27 - On-Screen Therapy: Hollywood vs. Reality

Welcome to the Cultivating Calmness Podcast with Kaela Vance. Today, Kaela dives into the nuanced differences between grief, mourning, and bereavement, shedding light on these often interchangeably used terms. Join her as she guides listeners through understanding these concepts, offering clarity and insight for those navigating the complexities of loss and healing. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of grief's evolving nature and learn how to embrace the process of mourning as a part of life's journey.

Episode #29 - Navigating Loss: Grief, Mourning, and Bereavement

Welcome to the Cultivating Calmness Podcast, where healing is the journey we embrace. I'm your host, Kaela Vance, and on this podcast, we explore the multifaceted nature of healing, particularly in mental health. Just as a physical wound requires care, time, and sometimes discomfort before it fully heals, emotional and mental healing can be a process of facing and processing past traumas, pains, and experiences. Through insightful discussions and personal anecdotes, we delve into various aspects of healing. From the importance of therapy and different therapeutic modalities, to the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, we uncover the paths to healing and self-discovery. Join me as we navigate the twists and turns of the healing journey, offering guidance, support, and a gentle reminder that healing is a process, not a destination. Tune in to the Cultivating Calmness Podcast and let's embark on this transformative journey together.

Episode #30 - Healing: Mind-Body Harmony

Welcome to the Cultivating Communist Podcast with Kaela Vance. In this episode, Kaela reflects on her weekend, discussing the importance of self-care and how she spent her time enjoying the outdoors and working on her her medicinal garden. She explores the concept of self-care and its different forms, encouraging listeners to find what fills their cup and empowers them. Join Kaela as she shares her insights and experiences, offering a moment of relaxation and reflection in your day.

Episode #31 - Growing Wellness: Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Welcome to the Cultivate Calmness Podcast with Kaela Vance. In this episode, Kaela shares her experience of witnessing the recent eclipse and discusses the profound impact of nature on our well-being, encouraging listeners to embrace moments of connection with nature to enhance mental health and overall happiness.

Episode #32 - The Solar Eclipse: Finding Calm in the Chaos

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we delve into the topic of censorship and its impact on holistic health practices and businesses. Since launching Teal Saguaro Wellness on January 1st, 2024, we have faced various forms of censorship, from social media account suspensions to legitimate emails landing in email subscriber and customer spam folders. Kaela shares her personal experiences and insights into how censorship affects our ability to share information and advocate for holistic and functional medicine. We explore the challenges of navigating censorship, the importance of medical freedom, and the need for informed consent. Join Kaela as she discussed the reality of censorship in today's digital landscape and its implications for holistic health practitioners.

Episode #43 - Censorship: Impact on Holistic Health Practices

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, host Kaela Vance delves into the concept of inner peace, exploring what it means and how we can actively pursue it amidst life's inevitable stresses. Kaela discusses the importance of acceptance, mindfulness, and breathing techniques, along with the role of visualizations, gratitude, and setting healthy boundaries in cultivating a state of psychological and spiritual calm. By providing practical advice and personal insights, she encourages listeners to find their own pathways to inner peace, even when faced with challenging circumstances. Join Kaela as she guides you through the journey of achieving inner tranquility and resilience.

Episode #48 - Inner Peace: A Journey of Mind, Body, and Spirit

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, host Kaela Vance delves into the significance of OCD Awareness Month, shedding light on some of the lesser-known and often taboo themes that individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may experience. Kaela explains the basics of OCD, differentiating between obsessions and compulsions, and emphasizes how these intrusive thoughts can cause significant distress, particularly when they involve topics that are difficult to discuss openly. Whether you're a mental health professional, family member, or someone looking to understand OCD better, this episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of the disorder and provides an overview of treatment options like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. Tune in to learn more about how to support those dealing with OCD and explore some of the hidden challenges they may face.

Episode #60 - OCD Awareness: Breaking the Silence on Taboo Obsessions

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we explore the powerful connection between your gut health and mental well-being. From the surprising role of serotonin—mostly produced in the gut—to how the foods we eat can directly impact our mood, energy, and overall mental health, this episode breaks down the science behind it all. We discuss how diet influences gut bacteria, serotonin production, and the gut-brain axis, as well as the long-term effects of processed foods on emotional stability. Learn how making mindful changes to your nutrition can help heal your gut, improve serotonin levels, and support a healthier, more balanced mind.

Episode #71 - Your Gut: The Gut-Brain Connection

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela dives into the powerful connection between exercise and mental health, exploring the science behind how physical activity impacts our brains and emotions. She discusses how exercise increases feel-good hormones like endorphins and helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, but also emphasizes the importance of listening to your body to avoid overexertion. Kaela also touches on the concept of cycle syncing for women, explaining how aligning exercise routines with the different phases of the menstrual cycle can optimize energy levels and mental well-being. Tune in for practical insights on how to move your body in a way that supports both your physical and mental health.

Episode #73 - Exercise: The Mental Health Benefits

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance explores the topic of 12-Step Recovery programs, particularly Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and shares insights from a recent luncheon with Michelle Risser, a local therapist and CEU provider. Kaela discusses the foundations of AA and its 12-Step process, highlighting its broader applications for various addictions and the importance of spiritual support in recovery. She also provides an overview of other 12-Step programs and shares helpful information for therapists, friends, and family members supporting individuals in recovery. Kaela emphasizes the importance of understanding empathy and finding the right recovery path for each person.

Episode #74 - 12 Steps: Helping Clients Navigate Addiction Recovery

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela dives into a common experience many clients face: walking into therapy feeling like there’s nothing to discuss. She explores the underlying reasons why people often feel they don’t have anything to share and offers valuable insights into how we can uncover deeper emotions and struggles, even when it feels like everything is going well. Drawing from her years of experience as a therapist, Kaela discusses the importance of addressing the "hidden" issues that may be lying beneath the surface, helping listeners understand that therapy isn't just about tackling the obvious problems but also about exploring the things we avoid or don't even realize are affecting us.

Episode #76 - When You Feel You Have Nothing to Discuss in Therapy

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance explores the surprising connection between food aversion, picky eating, and tongue ties. She shares her personal experience with food aversion and reveals how an issue as simple as a restricted tongue movement could affect your ability to eat certain foods. Kaela discusses how tongue ties and lip ties can impact eating habits, speech, and even sleep, and she encourages listeners to consider how these physical conditions might be influencing their health or the health of their children. This episode offers valuable insight into how understanding and addressing these underlying issues can lead to better eating habits and overall well-being.

Episode #77 - Food Phobias: Picky Eaters and Tongue Ties

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance reflects on her recent spring break vacation and how it provided an opportunity to practice mindfulness in a simple and calming way. As she shares her family’s experience searching for sea glass, Kaela connects this activity to mindfulness, highlighting the importance of focusing on the present moment to regulate our body and mind. From the soothing rhythm of the waves to the quiet concentration required to spot sea glass, Kaela discusses how these small, everyday activities can help us cultivate mindfulness and calmness. Whether you're on vacation or at home, learning to focus on one thing at a time can lead to a more peaceful and centered state of mind.

Episode #78 - Mindfulness: Lessons Learned from Sea Glass

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela discusses her personal journey of losing trust in the medical system and how it led her to explore more holistic approaches to health and wellness. She shares the importance of questioning healthcare providers, doing your own research, and advocating for your own well-being when traditional medicine doesn't seem to align with your experiences. Kaela emphasizes that while Western medicine has its place, the need for informed consent, transparency, and a deeper connection between patients and providers is crucial for building trust. Listen in for advice on navigating the often complex healthcare system with confidence and clarity.

Episode #79 - What to Do Next: When Trust in Medicine Breaks

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela explores the profound feeling of being "alone" during difficult times, even when surrounded by supportive people. Drawing on the classic poem "Footprints in the Sand," she reflects on how God’s presence remains with us, especially during the darkest moments of our lives. Kaela shares personal insights from her own journey of faith and experiences with clients, emphasizing that despite feeling isolated in our struggles, we are never truly alone—God walks with us through it all. This episode provides comfort for those wrestling with pain, grief, or trauma, offering a gentle reminder that we are seen, loved, and never abandoned.

Episode #80 - Feeling Alone: Finding God in the Darkest Moments

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela shares the joys of springtime in Ohio and the benefits of spending time outdoors for both physical and mental wellness. She discusses how gardening, grounding, and soaking up the sun can improve mood, boost immunity, and enhance overall well-being. Kaela also emphasizes the importance of taking breaks throughout the day, whether by walking outside during a work break or eating meals in the fresh air. She offers practical ideas for getting outside more and making the most of the sunny days ahead to nourish your body, mind, and spirit.

Episode #81 - Spring Into Health: Connecting with Nature for Wellness

In today’s episode of Cultivate Calmness, Kaela delves into the science of negative thought patterns, or "cognitive distortions," and offers practical tips for shifting those patterns. She discusses the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, introducing listeners to cognitive restructuring techniques that can help them reframe their negative thinking into a more positive and realistic outlook. Whether it's overcoming pessimism, catastrophizing, or black-and-white thinking, Kaela provides actionable insights and exercises for changing thought patterns to promote emotional healing and resilience. Join her as she explores how small shifts in perspective can lead to a more fulfilling, balanced life.


Episode #82 - Negative Thoughts: How to Rethink Your Perspective

In today’s episode, Kaela Vance shares her excitement as she prepares to attend the Seeking Whole Health Conference. As a holistic mental health counselor, Kaela is eager to learn more about a variety of topics, from food sensitivities and hormones, to herbalism and gut health. She reflects on how these new insights will help her not only in her personal life but also in supporting her clients and family. Tune in to hear Kaela’s journey of lifelong learning and how conferences like this one provide invaluable knowledge for holistic health practices.

Episode #83 - A Holistic Journey: The Seeking Whole Health Conference

In this episode, Kaela shares her key takeaways from the Seeking Whole Health, Christian Holistic Health Conference, where she gained a wealth of knowledge on holistic healing practices, including the importance of nourishing both the body and mind. From learning about the impact of our modern food systems to exploring the intersection of faith and wellness, Kaela discusses how these insights can improve not just our health, but our overall well-being. Whether it’s detoxing your body, addressing hormonal imbalances, or understanding the connection between farming and food quality, this episode offers a unique perspective on holistic healing that you won’t want to miss.

Episode #84 - Holistic Wellness: My Experience at the Conference

In this heartfelt episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela shares her personal journey of navigating Mother's Day after the loss of her mother at a young age. Reflecting on how her relationship with Mother's Day has evolved over the years, Kaela opens up about her experience of growing up without a mother, finding comfort in non-traditional mother figures, and learning to heal from grief. She explores the complexity of celebrating motherhood while honoring the memory of her own mother, and how she now navigates motherhood with her own children. Whether you're celebrating, grieving, or somewhere in between, this episode offers valuable insights on healing, gratitude, and the importance of honoring the women who shape our lives.

Episode #85 - Mother's Day: Non-Traditional Motherhood

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness podcast, Kaela Vance discusses the power of analogies in explaining and processing trauma. Kaela shares several effective analogies, such as the car accident, smoke detectors, and backpacks full of rocks, to help listeners understand the complexities of trauma and healing. Through these analogies, she demonstrates how simple comparisons can facilitate emotional understanding and healing for both clients and therapists. If you're looking for fresh ways to grasp and explain your own experiences or to better communicate with others about trauma, this episode offers insightful tools and practical advice.

Episode #86 - Analogies: Explaining Trauma in Relatable Ways

In this episode of The Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we dive into the topic of boundaries—why they are essential for our mental health, how they protect us, and how to set them in a way that fosters healthier relationships. Whether it's managing difficult family dynamics, handling emotional triggers, or learning how to say no, setting boundaries allows us to define what’s acceptable in our lives. This episode explores common misconceptions, practical examples, and the importance of following through with your limits to create the space for growth, peace, and self-respect. Tune in for insightful tips on strengthening your personal boundaries and cultivating emotional well-being.

Episode #87 - Boundaries: Learning to Say No Without Guilt

In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela is joined by Jonathan Miller from Miller Counseling to discuss social anxiety, a disorder that often slips under the radar in therapy. Jonathan, with his 25 years of experience, sheds light on what social anxiety is, its subtle but powerful impact on daily life, and the role of exposure therapy in overcoming it. Together, they explore how social anxiety manifests, how it can sneak up on individuals, and the importance of addressing it with compassion and practical strategies. Jonathan also shares his personal experiences with social anxiety, offering insight into how it can affect self-esteem and social interactions. Tune in to learn how we can help clients face their fears, build confidence, and create lasting change.

Episode #88 - Social Anxiety: A Deep Dive with Jonathan Miller

In this heartfelt episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, we take a deep dive into Father’s Day—a time to celebrate the fathers and father figures in our lives, but also a moment to acknowledge the grief that may accompany this special day. Whether you're grieving the loss of a father, experiencing a challenging relationship, or simply reflecting on the role fathers play in our lives, this episode offers insights and compassionate guidance for navigating the complexities of the day. From offering practical ways to show appreciation to fathers to suggestions for honoring those who are no longer with us, this episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing fathers in their many forms. Tune in for heartfelt reflections, support for grieving individuals, and tips for making Father’s Day meaningful in whatever way feels right for you.

Episode #89 - Father’s Day: A Special Father's Day Message

Welcome to the "Cultivate Calmness" channel, presented by Kaela Rae Vance LPCCS. Kaela is one of Central Ohio's few Holistic Clinical Counselors who specializes in advanced counseling techniques, real world strategies, & guidance around complex grief and trauma issues.

Cultivate Calmness Podcast

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