Navigating Mental Health Challenges through Movement w/Melissa Hatcher
09/04/24 • 33 min
Ever wondered how yoga and other forms of exercise can revolutionize mental health treatment? This episode of the Wellness Paradox is a must-listen as we sit down with Melissa Hatcher, a seasoned mental health professional and yoga instructor from MindBody Optimization. Melissa delves into her extensive background in applied behavior analysis, marriage and family therapy, and equine-assisted therapy, with a special focus on neurodivergence. Together, we explore the rising tide of mental health issues and the strains on the mental health workforce, while shedding light on the groundbreaking role of yoga and exercise as powerful adjunctive therapies to traditional treatments.
Discover firsthand stories of triumph and challenges, from Melissa's personal journey with yoga helping manage anxiety during a major cross-country move to the emotional liberation running offered one of her clients. We tackle the intricate issue of exercise resistance, particularly in individuals grappling with anxiety and depression, and discuss how a gradual, exposure therapy-like approach can build comfort and confidence. This episode is packed with invaluable insights, practical strategies, and a deep dive into the multidisciplinary approach of MindBody Optimization. Join us as we underscore the transformative power of integrating physical activity into mental health practices.
Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode130
Our Guest: Melissa Hatcher, LMFT- Associate
Melissa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT Associate) under the supervision of Dr. Rachel Falbo, LMFT-S, LPC-S. She holds a master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University and began her career in 2006, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with neurodivergent populations. Since then, she has gained experience in various therapeutic roles, demonstrating expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), social services, and clinical research.
Melissa’s approach is rooted in Gottman Couples Method and Solution-Focused Therapy, and she is certified in trauma-informed practices and adaptive yoga and breathing techniques, providing clients with a holistic and diverse range of therapeutic methods to support their mental health and well-being.
Follow us on social at the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/wellnessparadox
https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/
Ever wondered how yoga and other forms of exercise can revolutionize mental health treatment? This episode of the Wellness Paradox is a must-listen as we sit down with Melissa Hatcher, a seasoned mental health professional and yoga instructor from MindBody Optimization. Melissa delves into her extensive background in applied behavior analysis, marriage and family therapy, and equine-assisted therapy, with a special focus on neurodivergence. Together, we explore the rising tide of mental health issues and the strains on the mental health workforce, while shedding light on the groundbreaking role of yoga and exercise as powerful adjunctive therapies to traditional treatments.
Discover firsthand stories of triumph and challenges, from Melissa's personal journey with yoga helping manage anxiety during a major cross-country move to the emotional liberation running offered one of her clients. We tackle the intricate issue of exercise resistance, particularly in individuals grappling with anxiety and depression, and discuss how a gradual, exposure therapy-like approach can build comfort and confidence. This episode is packed with invaluable insights, practical strategies, and a deep dive into the multidisciplinary approach of MindBody Optimization. Join us as we underscore the transformative power of integrating physical activity into mental health practices.
Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode130
Our Guest: Melissa Hatcher, LMFT- Associate
Melissa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFT Associate) under the supervision of Dr. Rachel Falbo, LMFT-S, LPC-S. She holds a master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University and began her career in 2006, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) with neurodivergent populations. Since then, she has gained experience in various therapeutic roles, demonstrating expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), social services, and clinical research.
Melissa’s approach is rooted in Gottman Couples Method and Solution-Focused Therapy, and she is certified in trauma-informed practices and adaptive yoga and breathing techniques, providing clients with a holistic and diverse range of therapeutic methods to support their mental health and well-being.
Follow us on social at the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/wellnessparadox
https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/
Previous Episode
Bridging the Health Gap: Inclusivity and Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Dexter Shurney
Can the fitness and wellness industry truly be inclusive? Join us as Dr. Dexter Shurney, a trailblazer in lifestyle medicine and health equity, unpacks the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the sector. With a career that spans general surgery to pivotal roles like Chief Medical Officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Dr. Shurney offers unparalleled insights into how the industry can bridge the gap between fitness professionals and the broader community. This episode is a must-listen for those committed to fostering a more representative and inclusive fitness landscape.
Ever wondered why some people struggle more with their health than others? We shift the narrative by exploring the profound impact of social determinants on personal health. Dr. Shurney encourages a change in perspective from "what's wrong with you?" to "what happened to you?"— highlighting how environmental factors can create significant hurdles. From unsafe neighborhoods to socio-economic obligations, we delve deep into why privileged perspectives can be dangerous and how systemic biases play a critical role in health disparities.
Finally, we take an exhilarating look at the transformative potential of lifestyle medicine, with a special focus on Blue Zones. Dr. Shurney discusses how intentional lifestyle choices and natural movement can lead to longevity and improved health outcomes. This chapter underscores the significance of combining physical activity with purposeful tasks and the need for collaboration between fitness, wellness, and medical professionals. This seamless blend of science and practical advice will leave you inspired to rethink your approach to health and wellness.
Show Notes Page: https://www.wellnessparadoxpod.com/episode129
Our Guest: Dr. Dexter Shurney MD, MBA, MPH, FACLM
Dr. Dexter Shurney is President of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine Innovation (CLMI), a branch of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. CLMI is a hub for lifestyle medicine research, innovation, and thought leadership on identifying and eradicating the root causes of disease. He is also the Chief Healthl Officer of Blue Zones, LLC, that helps enable cities, counties, and large employers to transform their environments helping people live better, longer. The work is based on the orginal Blue Zones research.
Other former roles have included Chief Health Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Officer for Adventist Health, Vice President, Chief Medical Officer at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director of Globlal Employee Benefits at Cummins, Inc., Chief Medical Director, Employee Health Plan at Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Senior Vice President, Chief Medical Officer at Healthways, and Senior Advisor Managed Care Strategy at Amgen.
Dr. Shurney received his BS from Loma Linda University and his MD from Howard University College of Medicine. He also has an MBA and MPH from the University of Detroit/Mercy and the Medical College of Wisconsin, respectively. A licensed physician, he is board certified in both preventive medicine and in lifestyle medicine, and is a Fellow in the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
Follow us on social at the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/wellnessparadox
https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/
Next Episode
Transforming the Exercise Profession through Professionalization and Advocacy
Join us for the first episode in a twelve-part podcast series brought to you in collaboration with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). This podcast series is based on the Sept/Oct 2024 themed issue of the ACSM Health & Fitness Journal on the topic of professionalization and advocacy. In this discussion, Wellness Paradox host Michael Stack (who is the editor of the themed issue), will explore the topic of professionalization in the exercise profession.
He’ll walk you through his introduction article to the themed issue entitled Professionalizing the Exercise Profession— What It Means and Why it Matters. Michael will dive into all critical aspects of the work underway to allow qualified exercise professionals to ascend to the status of Qualified Healthcare Professionals. In doing so, he’ll explore the topics covered in the themed issue and in this special podcast series. Most importantly he’ll make the clear case for why remaining informed, unified, and intensely focused in the professionalization effort will lead to the improved financial health of the fitness industry, while at the same time improving the health of our nation.
Join Michael as he outlines the “movement for movement” created by the professionalization effort in the exercise profession. This episode is truly a must-listen, not just for anyone in the health and fitness industry, but anyone involved in healthcare and health policy more broadly.
Show Notes Page: https://wellnessparadoxpod.com/episodeacsm1
Our Guest: Michael Stack, ACSM-EP/EIM/PAPHS, CSCS
Michael is the creator and the host of the Wellness Paradox Podcast, produced in conjunction with University of Michigan. He is the founder & CEO of Applied Fitness Solutions and the Michigan Moves Coalition. He is also a faculty lecturer for the University of Michigan’s School of Kinesiology.
Michael is an exercise physiologist by training and a health entrepreneur,
health educator, and fitness industry advocate by trade. He is dedicated to the
policy and system changes to ensure fitness professionals become an essential
part of healthcare delivery.
Follow us on social at the links below:
https://www.facebook.com/wellnessparadox
https://www.instagram.com/wellnessparadox/
The Wellness Paradox - Navigating Mental Health Challenges through Movement w/Melissa Hatcher
Transcript
And welcome to the Wellness Paradox podcast . I'm so delighted that you can join us on this journey towards greater human flourishing . As always , I'm your host , michael Stack , an exercise physiologist by training and a health educator and entrepreneur by trade , and I'm fascinated by a phenomena I call the wellness paradox . This paradox , as I view it , is the trust , interaction
If you like this episode you’ll love
Episode Comments
Generate a badge
Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode
<a href="https://goodpods.com/podcasts/the-wellness-paradox-308886/navigating-mental-health-challenges-through-movement-wmelissa-hatcher-73177510"> <img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/goodpods-images-bucket/badges/generic-badge-1.svg" alt="listen to navigating mental health challenges through movement w/melissa hatcher on goodpods" style="width: 225px" /> </a>
Copy