Fear Less
By Zack Schafer
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Category: Mental Health
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Subscribers: 1
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Episodes: 109
Description
Welcome to the Fear Less podcast, a show dedicated to discussing anxiety, fear, and general mental well-being. In this podcast, host Zack Schafer sits down with clinical professionals, educators, parents, and individuals with anxiety to have meaningful conversations about fear and how to manage it. Through expert knowledge, personal stories, and practical everyday tips, Zack helps listeners gain the insight, confidence, and skills necessary to master their fears.
Zack Schafer, MS, OTR/L, is a mental health occupational therapist and the executive director of Mountain Valley Treatment Center (MVTC), a non-profit residential treatment program for youth with debilitating anxiety. This podcast is sponsored by MVTC and aligns with the program's mission to help anxious young people to fear less and live fully.
However, fear and anxiety don't just impact young people—they affect everyone. Our collective fears and anxieties shape the health of our communities and society as a whole. The Fear Less podcast was created to reach a broad audience and inspire all who listen to come together, face their fears, and live courageously.
For more information visit:
• www.mountainvalleytreatment.org
• Instagram: @mountainvalleytreatmentcenter
• LinkedIn: Mountain Valley
• LinkedIn: Zack Schafer
| Episode | Date |
|---|---|
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110. Exposure to Exposure: Dr. Emily Bilek on Building Confidence in Anxiety and OCD Treatment
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Jun 10, 2026 |
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109. The Stories We Carry: Making Meaning After Losing My Friend to Suicide
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Jun 03, 2026 |
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108. Healing by Design: The Powerful Connection Between Mental Health and Nature
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May 27, 2026 |
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107. Fear, Loneliness, and Finding Yourself: Why Vulnerability Feels So Scary
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May 20, 2026 |
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106. The Hidden Anxiety in Competitive Sports: A Runner's Story of OCD, Fear, and Recovery
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May 13, 2026 |
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105. Beyond the Autism Label: Helping Neurodivergent Young Adults Build Independence and Purpose
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May 06, 2026 |
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104. From Fear to Freedom: What Parents, Professionals, and People with OCD Need to Know
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Apr 29, 2026 |
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103. School Anxiety in Neurodivergent Kids: What Parents Need to Know About Autism, ADHD, and Academic Stress
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Apr 15, 2026 |
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102: Why Women Struggle with Anxiety: Perfectionism, Trauma, and the Pressure to Be Everything
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Apr 08, 2026 |
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101: The Missing Piece in Mental Health? Habits, Discipline, and Daily Routines
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Mar 31, 2026 |
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100 Episodes of Fear Less: Clips from Our Most Popular Episodes on Anxiety, OCD, and Recovery
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Mar 18, 2026 |
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99. Living with Anxiety, Autism, and a Stutter: How Cam Rainey Learned to Face His Fears
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Mar 11, 2026 |
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98. Afraid for Our Future? Coping with Climate Anxiety an Eco Grief in a Changing World
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Mar 04, 2026 |
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97. You Are More Than Your Trauma: Finding Freedom from PTSD with Dr. Ken Huey
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Feb 25, 2026 |
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96. When Anxiety Derails Your Life: How One Young Woman Found Herself Again
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Feb 18, 2026 |
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95. What Anxious Teens REALLY Need: Insights from Eight Years in Anxiety Treatment
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Feb 11, 2026 |
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94. Anxiety and the College Transition: A Young Adult's Story of Recovery, Confidence, and Growth
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Feb 04, 2026 |
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93. Autism, Anxiety, and OCD: What Parents and Professionals Need to Know
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Jan 21, 2026 |
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92. Finding Balance: 5 Dichotomies of Parenting an Anxious Child
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Jan 14, 2026 |
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91. New Year, Less Fear: The Psychology of Change and Building Habits
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Jan 07, 2026 |
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90. Learning to Live with Anxiety: A Young Women's Journey to Acceptance
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Dec 17, 2025 |
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89. Why Teens Are Struggling Now More than Ever: Expert Guidance for Parents Navigating Today's Challenges
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Dec 11, 2025 |
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88. From "Man Up" to Opening Up: A Candid Conversation on Men, Anxiety, and Fatherhood
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Nov 25, 2025 |
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87. Fear and Fatherhood Pt. 2: Reflections on Becoming A Dad for a Second Time
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Nov 19, 2025 |
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86. Anxiety Journey: From Mountain Valley Client to Anxiety Clinician
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Nov 05, 2025 |
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85. What If It's Not About Food? Understanding Fear and Eating Disorders
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Oct 22, 2025 |
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84. From Avoidant to Values Driven: How ACT Helps Teens Embrace Anxiety
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Oct 15, 2025 |
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83. Productive Struggle Over Fragility: How to Raise Braver Teens with Lynn Lyons
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Oct 08, 2025 |
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82. From Anxious Athlete to Anxiety Expert: Katharine Call on Sports and Mental Health
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Sep 24, 2025 |
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81. Anxious Teens & the Outdoors: How Adventure Therapy Builds Confidence
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Sep 17, 2025 |
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80. How Mountain Valley Change My Life: Lessons from Exposure Therapy with Amelia Teta
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Sep 10, 2025 |
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79. Back to School Anxiety: 5 Tips for Parents to Help Teens Overcome School Avoidance
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Aug 27, 2025 |
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78. School Anxiety in Teens: How Therademics Helps Students Build Resilience
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Aug 20, 2025 |
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77. From Fear To Love: Stories from Mountain Valley Reunion 2025
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Aug 13, 2025 |
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76. "What do I do with my life?" Coaching Young Adults Through Career Anxiety
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Aug 06, 2025 |
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75. The Trade: Helping Young Adults Launch Through Real Work, Mentorship, and Community
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Jul 30, 2025 |
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74. Why Your Teen Is So Sensitive: Understanding Sensory Processing and Anxiety
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Jul 23, 2025 |
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73. Autism and Anxiety: Helping Neurodivergent Teens Thrive through a Developmental Approach
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Jul 02, 2025 |
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72. From Perfectionism to Self-Compassion: Izzy's Journey Through Teen Anxiety and Recovery"
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Jun 25, 2025 |
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71. Why Every Teen with Anxiety Should Learn DBT: Insights from Brittany Little LCSW
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Jun 18, 2025 |
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70. "I Hate the Way I Look": Addressing Anxiety and Body Image Issues
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Jun 04, 2025 |
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69. Treating OCD and Eating Disorders: What Clinicians, Clients, and Families, Need to Know
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May 21, 2025 |
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68. Is an Eating Disorder Actually OCD? Dee Franklin on Redefining Treatment
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May 14, 2025 |
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67. Leaning Into Fear and Loss: Myra Sack on Losing a Child and Finding Her Way
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May 07, 2025 |
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66. Anxiety, OCD, and Addiction: Andy Benckart's Journey to Recovery
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Apr 23, 2025 |
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65. Befriending Fear: Why We Have Anxiety and How to Use It
|
Apr 16, 2025 |
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64. Living with ADHD: Dr. Roberto Olivardia on Managing Anxiety, OCD & Executive Functioning
|
Apr 09, 2025 |
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63. Fear of Letting Go: The Intersection of OCD and Hoarding Disorder with Christin Brown LICSW
|
Apr 02, 2025 |
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62. OCD & Addiction: Hidden Connections and Concurrent Paths to Healing with Jayme Valdez LMHC
|
Mar 19, 2025 |
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61. Mountain Valley's History, Culture, and Alumni Support Network with Carl Lovejoy
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Mar 12, 2025 |
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60. From Struggle to Strength: Parenting an Anxious Child
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Mar 05, 2025 |
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59. OT's Role in Mental Health with Mountain Valley's Executive Director Zack Schafer
|
Feb 19, 2025 |
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58. Occupational Therapy & Mental Health: Camille's Journey to Helping Teens Overcome Anxiety
|
Feb 12, 2025 |
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57. Breaking the Cycle of Fear: A Mother and Son's Story of Healing
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Feb 05, 2025 |
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56. Building Resilient Youth: Russell Shaw on Parenting, Technology, and Education
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Jan 22, 2025 |
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55. How to Parent Anxious Children Using S.P.A.C.E. with Amy Killy LICSW
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Jan 15, 2025 |
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54. From Fear to Confidence: How Supportive Immersion Sparks Youth Resilience
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Jan 08, 2025 |
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53. Embracing Sensitivity and Strength: Gin Majka's Journey through Anxiety
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Dec 18, 2024 |
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52. The Homing Instinct: Mentoring Teens Through Fear, Vulnerability, and Growth
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Dec 11, 2024 |
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51. Breaking the Cycle: The Role of Fear in Addiction and Recovery with Chris Leston
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Dec 04, 2024 |
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50. The Power of Growth Mindset for Anxiety: Insights from Therapist Ira Hayes
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Nov 20, 2024 |
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49. Guiding Families Through Anxiety Treatment: An Interview with Admissions Manager Becca Winant
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Nov 13, 2024 |
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48. A Mother's Journey: Helping My Anxious Teen Find His Way
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Nov 05, 2024 |
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47. Boosting Mental Health in Kids: The Power of Mattering and Contribution
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Oct 30, 2024 |
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46. Overcoming Anxiety Through Interdisciplinary Care: A Presentation by Zack Schafer and Alison LaFollette
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Oct 16, 2024 |
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45. The Intersection of Anxiety and Substance Use: A Deep Dive with Patrick Babcock
|
Oct 09, 2024 |
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44. Empowering Kids with Anxiety: Expert Advice from Dr. Anne Marie Albano
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Oct 02, 2024 |
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43. A Story of Resilience: Danielle's Journey through Anxiety, Self-Harm, and Healing
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Sep 18, 2024 |
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42. Breaking Free from Fear: How Risk Aversion Impacts Mental Health Care
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Sep 11, 2024 |
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41. Navigating Young Adult "Transition Anxiety" with Joanna Lilley
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Sep 04, 2024 |
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40. From Fear to Freedom: Inspiring Stories from Mountain Valley Alumni
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Aug 21, 2024 |
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39. The Connection Between Sensory Processing and Anxiety: A Deep Dive with Dr. Heather Kuhaneck
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Aug 15, 2024 |
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38. Healing Through Stewardship: The Therapeutic Power of Animals and Agriculture
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Aug 07, 2024 |
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37. From Testing to Teamwork: Dr. Alison LaFollette's Journey to Mountain Valley
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Jul 24, 2024 |
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36. Fear, Fatherhood, and Transformation: Zack's Journey to Becoming a Dad
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Jul 17, 2024 |
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35. Beyond the Classroom: Integrating Mental Health Support in Schools with Dr. Caroline Trustey
|
Jul 10, 2024 |
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34. Climbing Mount Moosilauke: Therapy, Adventure, and Personal Triumph
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Jun 19, 2024 |
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33. From Resident to Mentor: Bailey Cohen's Inspiring Journey at Mountain Valley
|
Jun 12, 2024 |
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32. Facing Fears in the Classroom: Exposure-Based Learning with Knower Academics
|
Jun 05, 2024 |
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31. Transforming Workplaces Through Fear Less Leadership with Tim Vaughan
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May 29, 2024 |
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30. From Fear to Freedom: Unpacking Anxiety Treatment with Mountain Valley's Everett Logan
|
May 15, 2024 |
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29. Becoming a "Fearless" Clinician with Keeleigh Mahler, LCSW
|
May 08, 2024 |
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28. Overcoming OCD and Finding Acceptance with Ivy Wydler
|
May 01, 2024 |
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27. Experiential Therapy for Anxiety with Meg Paul
|
Apr 17, 2024 |
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26. Overcoming School Phobia and Building Resiliency with Ira Hayes
|
Apr 10, 2024 |
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25. Treating Anxiety: Innovative Insights from Dr. Dan Villiers of The Anxiety Institute
|
Apr 03, 2024 |
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24. Fear Less with More Fun: The Role of Recreational Therapy in Anxiety Treatment with J'Amy Chamberlain
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Mar 19, 2024 |
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23. Don't Fear the Future: Insights on Innovation in Youth Mental Health Care with Greg Hitchcock
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Mar 13, 2024 |
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22. Navigating the Digital Divide: Dr. Will White on Technology's Impact on Youth Mental Health
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Mar 06, 2024 |
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21. Thriving Beyond Treatment: Unveiling the Mountain Valley Transitions Program
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Feb 28, 2024 |
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20. Mastering Empathy: Using Nonviolent Communication in Anxiety Treatment with Nathan Thoele
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Feb 14, 2024 |
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19. Navigating Anxiety: Personal and Professional Perspectives with Clinician Ashley Metz
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Feb 07, 2024 |
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18. Insights from Noah's Journey at Mountain Valley: Facing Fear and Overcoming Resistance In OCD Treatment
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Jan 17, 2024 |
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17. Embracing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Insights from Antoinette Moody
|
Jan 10, 2024 |
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16. Harnessing the Hero's Journey: Transforming Anxiety with Narrative Therapy at Mountain Valley
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Jan 03, 2024 |
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15. Making Fear Less: A Conversation with Zack Schafer, Licensed Mental-Health Occupational Therapist
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Dec 19, 2023 |
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14. Running Towards Resilience: Will Laughlin's Journey from Extreme Athlete to Fear Less Father and CEO
|
Dec 12, 2023 |
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13. Jumping into Fear: Life in the Air Force Special Operations
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Dec 05, 2023 |
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12. Channeling Poseidon: How Max Augliere Uses Spearfishing to Generate Fear…and Growth
|
Nov 21, 2023 |
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11. Empowering Parents of Anxious Youth with Mountain Valley's Parent Coach Dr. Lisa Rosen
|
Nov 01, 2023 |
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10. Conquering Fear and Anxiety with Gray Thomas: Insights from a Mountain Valley Client
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Oct 24, 2023 |
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9. Adventurer Ray Zahab on How to Conquer Fear and Make the Impossible Possible
|
Oct 10, 2023 |
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8. Swimming Against the Current: Kurt Kroeche's Journey from Fear to Triumph
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Oct 03, 2023 |
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7. The Stress Reset Methodology with Isabelle Tierney
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Sep 26, 2023 |
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6. Wonder Woman is Blonde and Lives in Reno: Jill Andersen's Epic Battle with Wildfires and Lightning Bolts
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Sep 12, 2023 |
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5. Work-Rest-Repeat: A Yin-Yang Approach to Tackling Anxiety
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Sep 06, 2023 |
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3. The Power of Exposure Therapy with Sharon McCallie-Steller
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Aug 15, 2023 |
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2. Anxiety Pandemic? Just ask Japan
|
Aug 08, 2023 |
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1. Introducing Fear Less
|
Aug 01, 2023 |