Episodes

In this Athlete Wellness podcast series episode, Sarah Meister and Laney Malloy, former Division One college volleyball players and now therapists, dive into the role of mental preparation and pregame rituals for athletes. They discuss how routines, superstitions, and team rituals can reduce anxiety, build confidence, and foster team unity. Topics Covered in “Pregame Rituals and Mental Preparation for Athletes”: Using music, dance, and movement to manage pregame nerves The impact of personal ...

In this Millennium Counseling Center podcast episode, Derek and Oren discuss the role of honesty, transparency, and vulnerability in building trusting relationships. They explore the difference between avoiding dishonesty and embracing transparency. They share how honesty can help relationships and create intimacy. Build trust, communicate openly, and feel more connected. Topics Covered in “Honesty, Transparency, and Vulnerability in Relationships”: Understanding honesty as more than the absen...

In this Millennium Counseling Center podcast episode, Derek and Oren discuss the often misunderstood concepts of boundaries and requests. They examine how each can shape healthier relationships. They break down the differences and offer insights into when to set a boundary for personal well-being versus making a request from others. This conversation offers listeners valuable strategies for navigating relationships with clarity and respect. Topics Covered in “The Difference Between Boundaries a...

In this special episode of the Millennium Counseling Center podcast, Derek and Oren discuss navigating challenging conversations during the election season, particularly around political differences with family, friends, and coworkers. They explore ways to approach such topics in a healthy manner, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, emotional management, and respect for differing opinions. Topics Covered in “Managing Election Season Conversations”: Constructive ways to handle discussions ...

This conversation explores the experience of being a counseling intern from the perspectives of Lily Wehman, a recently graduated licensed social worker, and Amelia Abernathy, a current clinical intern at Millennium Counseling Center. They share insights into the internship process and the importance of supervision. They also address common concerns about seeing intern therapists. Lily and Amelia emphasize that while being an intern comes with challenges and self-doubt, it also brings fresh per...

This conversation explores the intersection of spirituality and mental health and therapy. Devona Alleyne and Amelia Abernathy, both therapists with backgrounds in theology, discuss how their faith informs their therapeutic practice and the challenges of integrating spirituality in clinical settings. Key Discussion Points: The concept of counseling as liberation and freedom from a spiritual perspective Navigating the disclosure of religious backgrounds in therapeutic settings The challenges ...

In this Millennium Counseling Center podcast episode, Derek and Oren discuss the challenges of dealing with setbacks in recovery from addiction and mental health issues. The conversation focuses on how to approach mistakes and slip-ups during the recovery process, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion and connection with others. They explore strategies for maintaining progress in recovery and the significance of understanding the recovery journey as a learning process rather than an all-...

This is a conversation on the daunting process of finding the right therapist. Lilly and Amelia share personal experiences and practical advice to help individuals navigate this journey, whether seeking therapy for the first time or switching therapists. Key Discussion Points in “Finding the Right Therapist”: The emotional challenges and fears involved in finding a therapist How to define your goals and needs when searching for a therapist The importance of shared experiences (e.g., similar ...

In this episode of the Millennium Counseling Center podcast, Lilly, a licensed social worker, and Amelia, a second-year clinical intern at Millennium, discuss the challenges and transitions recent college graduates face as they navigate life after undergrad. Key Discussion Points in “Navigating Life After College”: The emotional impact of transitioning from college to graduate school or the working world Dealing with comparison and feelings of being “behind” peers The importance of recognizi...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness Series, we welcome Dr. Derick Boyd, a counseling psychologist aiming to bridge athletics and mental health. With a PhD in Counseling Psychology focused on Sport and Performance from Indiana University, Dr. Boyd brings extensive expertise in helping athletes optimize their mental game and overall well-being. As a former college basketball player turned counseling psychologist, Derick brings a unique perspective to helping athletes navigate their athletic jo...

In this Millennium Counseling Center podcast episode, Derek and Oren discuss the evolving landscape of technology use, specifically focusing on smartphones in schools. The conversation revolves around how schools are implementing new policies to manage smartphone and technology use and the broader implications for students’ mental health and social development. They explore the challenges and potential benefits of limiting smartphones in schools and the role of parents in supporting these initia...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness podcast series, D1 athlete turned athlete mental health therapist Lilly Wehman and summer intern and current North Central College student-athlete Amanda Melton discuss the struggle to manage your time as a college athlete. Academics, sports, and social life – it’s a lot. The two go on to ask each other what has worked for them. This could look like making to-do lists, setting goals, studying in chunks, or asking friends to grab food. For academic success,...

In this Millennium Counseling Center podcast episode, Derek and Oren discuss the mental health landscape of 2024. The conversation revolves around how society’s perception and openness about mental health have significantly changed, leading to more people seeking help and talking about their struggles. The conversation touches on the impact of stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges in today’s fast-paced world and how these issues manifest in everyday life. Topics Discussed in “Under...

In this recovering from injury episode of the Athlete Wellness podcast series, Lilly Wehman and Thomas Kalapurakal discuss what it is like to experience an injury as an athlete. They focus on the different stages of navigating an injury, from the trauma of the direct moment the injury became a reality to the recovery process. Often, it isn’t easy to notice that your mind and body may not be on the same page throughout the recovery process. Athletic injuries can have significant psychological imp...

This episode explores the challenges and importance of reaching out for help during recovery. We discuss strategies for building connections, the role of vulnerability, and how consistent communication can support long-term recovery. Topics Discussed in “Reaching Out in Recovery and The Power of Connection”: How to ask for help Addiction is the opposite of connection Recovery is hard to do alone Don’t wait until the end of recovery to ask for help Understanding the decisions that go into re...

Amelia and Lilly explore the increasing visibility of mental health issues through the powerful voices of Olympic athletes, with a focus on Simone Biles. They explore the impact of social media on athletes, highlighting how fans often express their disappointments without considering the human struggles these athletes endure publicly. Highlights: Advocacy for mental health by professional athletes Lessons from athletes that can be applied to client care The importance of humanizing professional...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness podcast series, Sarah Meister and Lilly Wehman discuss substance use among college athletes, exploring trends, contributing factors, and treatment approaches. The conversation covers the unique challenges athletes face, including the “work hard, play hard” mentality and post-competition mental health issues. They emphasize the importance of balance, coping tools, and identity exploration outside sports. The episode highlights the need for therapists to rem...

In this episode of the Athlete Wellness podcast series, Sarah Meister and Lilly Wehman discuss what it is like to transition away from college sports. They focus on how your athletic identity continues in your everyday life. They also touch on how to harness your athletic attributes and use them to your advantage in your next stage of life. It takes a conscious effort to recognize that you’re allowed to operate in a space that is not measured by an all-or-nothing mentality. It’s about giving you...

This episode explores “trusting the process” in addiction recovery. We look at how openness, curiosity, and accurate assessment can aid in making better life decisions. Topics Discussed in “Trusting the Process”: Understanding the importance of “trusting the process” in recovery The challenge of blind faith in early recovery and building trust with therapists and support groups Encouraging openness and curiosity in recovery rather than a fixed mindset The significance of assessing the costs and...

This episode features a special interview with Ann Foster, the founder of Millennium Counseling Center. We discuss Ann’s journey of starting Millennium Counseling, her vision for the company, and its incredible impact over the past 20 years. Ann shares her insights on building a successful practice, the importance of connection in recovery, and the evolving landscape of mental health and addiction treatment. Topics Discussed in this episode featuring Ann Foster, The Founder of Millennium Counse...

This episode is about understanding the role of the 12-step program in addiction recovery. We discussed its benefits, alternatives, and the importance of finding a recovery path that works for everyone. Topics discussed in Beyond the 12-Step Program: The debate over the necessity of the 12-step program for sobriety and overall recovery. Benefits of the 12-step program: self-reflection, community, routine, structure, and a proven roadmap. Alternatives to the 12-step program and how to incorporat...

This episode is all about embracing change and uncertainty. We discuss the complexities of change and transitions in life, exploring how individuals can work through these shifts with a balanced mindset and an open heart. We get into the emotional impact of change, the importance of being present, and strategies for managing uncertainty. Topics Discussed in “Embracing Change and Uncertainty”: The emotional impact of significant life changes and transitions. Strategies for staying present and av...

This is a discussion about understanding recovery and what it entails beyond achieving the obvious end result. It explores how recovery helps regain innate qualities like honesty, enhances self-esteem and self-worth, and emphasizes the importance of living in the present to improve personal well-being. Topics discussed in Understanding Recovery: The broader definition and benefits of recovery, including regaining qualities like honesty. The relationship between self-esteem, self-worth, and re...

This episode explores the motivations behind individuals starting sobriety due to external pressures, such as requests from family, employers, or friends. This conversation around starting sobriety for someone else can also be applied to any behavior or pattern that could use some form of therapy. Topics discussed in “Starting Sobriety for Someone Else”: The influence of others in the decision to seek sobriety The complexity of sustaining personal change initiated by external motivations Str...