Description | In this special episode of A Road Less Traveled Podcast, we're honored to have Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Paola Caraker, join us to discuss the intersection of mental health, holistic wellness, marriage, and therapy, just in time for Mental Health Awareness Month. Paola's deep passion for trauma-informed care and integrative health brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our conversation. We delve into pivotal moments that shaped Paola's journey toward a career in counseling and therapy, with a specific focus on trauma-informed care and integrative health. She shares valuable insights on navigating the complexities of integrating nutrition, exercise, and somatic modalities into traditional therapy sessions, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes, especially for clients with complex mental health needs. Paola champions collaborative care, emphasizing the pivotal role of collaborative treatment teams in maximizing therapeutic outcomes. Drawing from her background in the performing arts and her fervor for athletics like tennis and yoga, she infuses her counseling approach with creativity, movement, and avenues for self-expression, thereby enhancing therapeutic interventions.
Paola sheds light on the crucial role of gender in mental health awareness and support, challenging stereotypes often associated with seeking therapy, particularly within the context of marriage and family dynamics. Throughout our conversation, Paola emphasizes the urgent need for destigmatizing mental health conversations and fostering safe spaces for clients to explore their emotions and experiences, especially within the realm of marriage and therapy. |