In this episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, I sit down with therapist and practice owner Emily Hanlon of Spiral Path Counseling to explore the power of Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR, and expressive arts therapy in supporting trauma recovery and self-care. Together, we dive into how these approaches intersect, offering both clients and clinicians fresh ways to view “self-sabotage,” connect with their inner parts, and practice embodied self-regulation. Emily shares her journey from burnout to discovering somatic and parts-based therapies, highlighting the importance of compassion, creativity, and safety in the healing process. Whether you’re a therapist, a client, or simply curious about holistic approaches to mental health, this conversation offers insight, hope, and practical tools.

Episode #100 - Parts Work: Exploring Internal Family Systems

In this milestone 101st episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, I take a moment to reflect on what it means to have been sharing conversations, insights, and stories for over two years. What began as a way to connect and share mental health knowledge has grown into a platform for community, interviews, and holistic discussions around grief, trauma, and functional wellness. From solo reflections to engaging dialogues with fellow professionals, this journey has reshaped not only my practice but also the way I approach therapy and life. Join me as I look back on the path so far, the lessons learned, and the vision for what’s to come in the next 101 episodes.

Episode #101 - 101 Episodes: Two Years of Cultivating Calmness

In this week’s Cultivate Calmness, Kaela sits down with Dr. Suzanne Pikula, DC, a trauma-informed, systems-oriented chiropractor and founder of several integrative clinics, to explore how bodywork can accelerate mental health healing. Dr. Suzanne explains why “everything is connected”—from fascia and cranial-sacral flow to the vagus nerve, limbic system, and gut-brain axis—and how gentle, safety-first somatic techniques can help anxious, overwhelmed, or neurodivergent clients actually receive care. We unpack collaboration between psychotherapy (EMDR/brain-based work) and chiropractic approaches, discuss stored trauma after surgeries (like C-sections), and look at practical ways to calm hyper-arousal, improve sleep and focus, and reduce persistent pain. If you’ve ever wondered how nontraditional adjustments, scar work, and nervous system regulation can complement talk therapy, this conversation offers a grounded, trauma-responsive roadmap for healing mind, body, and spirit.

Episode #102 - Brain & Body: Bridging Therapy & Chiropractic Care

In this week’s Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, takes listeners behind the scenes of her work not only as a grief and trauma therapist but also as the host of monthly Mental Health Professionals Luncheons and the new president of the Central Ohio Counseling Association (COCA). Kaela shares the heart behind creating spaces where counselors can connect, consult, and collaborate through luncheons, CEU events, coffee and consultations, and social gatherings. Whether you’re a new professional, a seasoned clinician, or simply curious about how community can help sustain mental health providers, this episode highlights the importance of coming together, sharing resources, and building meaningful professional relationships in Central Ohio and beyond.

Episode #103 - Building Community for Counselors in Central Ohio

In this week’s Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, explores the wide spectrum of grief reactions we see both publicly and privately, from anger and numbness to hope and faith. Drawing from personal experiences, professional insights, and reflections on recent events, she emphasizes that no two people grieve in the same way—and that judgment often deepens wounds rather than heals them. Kaela reminds listeners that grief is complex, unpredictable, and deeply human, and encourages us to meet others with empathy, compassion, and support instead of criticism. Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or are walking alongside someone who has, this episode offers perspective, validation, and practical ways to help without judgment.

Episode #104 - The Many Faces of Grief and How We Respond

In this week’s episode of the Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, reflects on the power of connection and the urgency of preserving memories with loved ones while we still have the chance. Drawing on her own experiences with family and her work as a grief and trauma therapist, she explores how sudden loss—whether personal or public—reminds us that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Kaela discusses simple, meaningful ways to capture family stories and histories, from asking intentional questions to recording conversations, and emphasizes how these practices not only honor those we love but also leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Episode #105 - Preserving Memories Before It’s Too Late

In this week’s Cultivate Calmness Podcast, holistic grief and trauma therapist Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, addresses a heartbreaking story that shook her community — the loss of a child to a viral social-media “challenge.” Kaela explores the darker side of technology and how digital platforms, algorithms, and online predators can endanger our kids’ safety and mental health. She offers practical, compassionate guidance for parents and caregivers: how to create tech agreements, monitor online use, and open healthy conversations about trust, privacy, and boundaries. This episode is both a sobering wake-up call and an empowering reminder that proactive, mindful parenting can make all the difference in a digital world designed for distraction.

Episode #106 - Digital Dangers: Keeping Kids Safe on Social Media

In this week’s Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, explores how relationships grow best when we take time to build a strong emotional foundation—one step (or wave) at a time. Using her ocean and beach analogy, Kaela reflects on the importance of exploring relationships slowly, developing trust, and learning each other’s depths before diving in. Whether you’re a therapist, a client, or simply someone seeking healthier connections, this episode invites you to consider how self-awareness, pacing, and emotional curiosity help us create meaningful, lasting bonds that don’t just float—they thrive.

Episode #108 - How We Build Trust One Step at a Time

In this week’s episode of The Cultivate Calmness Podcast, Kaela dives into what she calls “sugar overload season”—that stretch of holidays from Halloween through Valentine’s Day where candy, cookies, and cocktails dominate. She explores how excess sugar impacts the immune system, why you might feel run down despite taking vitamins, and how small, mindful choices can strengthen your body’s natural defenses. Drawing on her holistic and functional mental health approach, Kaela also shares practical ways to listen to your body’s early warning signs, use food and supplements intentionally, and teach your family to recognize those same cues. This episode offers a compassionate reminder to enjoy the season while nurturing your physical and emotional wellness.

Episode #109 - The Hidden Cost of Holiday Sugar

In this week’s episode of Cultivate Calmness, Kaela Vance, LPCC-S, shares exciting updates about Teal Saguaro Wellness’s upcoming CEU luncheon for mental health professionals, as well as new online CEU courses now available through her website. Kaela discusses the heart behind these events—building community, collaboration, and growth among Ohio clinicians—and offers insight into how therapists, counselors, and social workers can get involved as presenters. Whether you’re looking to attend a luncheon, earn CEUs online, or share your expertise as a presenter, this episode is your invitation to connect, contribute, and grow together.

Episode #110 - Bringing Connection to Continuing Education

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.