J. Flowers Health Institute
Podcasts

Podcasts

How Do You Define Wellness…With Dr. Gaetano Vaccaro, Psychologist, Certified Sex Addiction Counselor

Episode Number 97

How would you define wellness?

MY ANSWER:

Wellness is more than a physical condition, and so much more than just the absence of illness or disease.

WELLNESS IS A STATE OF BEING.

I think about it as the body-mind (because body and mind are reciprocally linked) being in alignment with your behavior and habits.

And if you are truly committed to that state of being, then you will establish a daily, weekly, or monthly practice of those behaviors.

And, if you strive to be disciplined and consistent with that practice, it can contribute to your quality of life. It can help sustain mental health and physical vitality and ultimately, I believe that this mental and physical practice will promote longevity.

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Roots And Resilience: Counseling, Culture, And Choice With Dr. Selina Hernandez, LPC-S, RPT

Episode Number 96

Culture plays a significant role in shaping our identities and experiences. In this episode, Dr. James Flowers sits down with Dr. Selina Hernandez, a licensed professional counselor supervisor and registered play therapist, to delve into the profound influence of culture on the human condition. Dr. Selina shares how her experiences with cultural identity and resilience have shaped her counseling approach. They discuss the importance of cultural strategies in therapy, personal responsibility, and the transformative power of sand tray therapy. Dr. Selina also explores the challenges faced by women and men, the importance of a counselor’s orientation, and the role of understanding one’s roots in building resilience.

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How Somatic Experiencing Can Unpack Trauma With Andrea Battle

Episode Number 95

In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Battle, a J. Flowers Provider and expert in Somatic Experiencing, to explore how our bodies hold and release trauma. Andrea breaks down the science behind this powerful approach to healing, and shares real-life tips for anyone looking to reconnect with their body and ease the effects of stress. Whether you are new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is your guide to “shaking it off” and moving towards a more balanced and peaceful life.

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From Fear To Action: Understanding The Intervention Process With Marc Kantor

Episode Number 94

Interventions aim to impact the human condition by helping individuals see themselves as they truly are, rather than through the distorted lens of addiction or untreated mental illness. This process is challenging because their brains have been hardwired by years of substance abuse or mental health issues. Essentially, Marc Kantor is asking people to make logical decisions with a brain that is not functioning logically. Marc enjoys sharing his own story of recovery, but other topics that are important to us including co-dependency, trauma and intergenerational trauma, binge eating disorder, attention deficit disorder, compulsive behaviors, spirituality, and the gift of desperation. Dr. Flowers will ask Marc about his transformation and his road to J. Flowers Health Institute.

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Farideh Banafshei Counsellor, MBACP on the disruptive nature of perfectionism & pressure today – I’m Fine

Episode Number 93

In this episode, Jean is joined by Farideh Banafshei, a counseling psychologist nearing the completion of her doctorate. They discuss Farideh’s journey from working in finance to transitioning into psychology, driven by her own experiences of imposter syndrome and stress in high-pressure environments.

Farideh highlights the pressures women face in professional settings, the impact of perfectionism, and the ways society’s unrealistic expectations can lead to mental health issues. She shares personal anecdotes about her struggle with severe health issues that led her to reassess her life and healing journey.

The conversation also explores the role of cultural dynamics in disordered eating and the importance of internal reflection for genuine self-healing. Farideh emphasizes that true strength comes from within and that therapeutic work helps individuals uncover their innate resilience.

Dr. James Flowers: What Are Visible Signs That Indicate Someone May Be Experiencing Substance Use Disorder?

Episode Number 92

Substance use disorder affects millions and can disrupt every aspect of life. Join Irene’s conversation with Dr. James Flowers, one of the most recognized and highly respected names in the field of chronic pain, pain recovery, mental health, and addiction, as he shares his insights into progressive healthcare and mental health treatment, offers a compelling discussion on addiction, pain management, and cognitive behavioral therapy, reveals the visible signs that indicate someone may be experiencing substance use disorder, discusses the quest for joy in life, and more! This is a highly interesting, insightful interview with a truly remarkable man!

I’m Fine

Episode Number 91

I’m excited to share my recent appearance on the podcast “I’m Fine,” hosted by the talented Jean Campbell. Jean, a renowned British fashion model, has graced the covers of numerous high-profile magazines and walked the runway for top fashion houses like Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQueen. Despite her illustrious modelling career, Jean has faced significant personal challenges, including chronic pain from hip dysplasia. Her experience with chronic pain has shaped her resilience and inspired her to create a platform for discussing mental health and wellbeing through her podcast.During our conversation, I had the opportunity to share my personal story, connection, and passion for developing pain recovery programs. With over 30 years in the medical and clinical community, I’ve dedicated my career to providing comprehensive assessments and evaluations for those in need of a clear diagnosis. My journey has allowed me to collaborate with some of the best healthcare professionals in the world, as we’ve all strived to fill a crucial void in the healthcare system; to develop tailored, personalised, whole health treatment plans that really centre the individual in their care. On the podcast, Jean and I explored the intricacies of chronic pain management and how symptoms can be somatised within the mind and body. I shared my personal story and experiences with pain, discussing how they have fuelled my commitment to helping others navigate similar challenges. We delved into the importance of empathy, understanding, and holistic approaches in treatment, aiming to provide listeners with insights into effective strategies for managing pain. It was a heartfelt and enriching discussion that I hope will resonate with many and shed light on the impactful work being done to support those in recovery. Link to the podcast recording below:

Mindful Meditation with Dr. Melanie Somerville

Episode Number 89

Dive into Week 2 of our Mindful Monday series with Dr. Melanie Somerville, Chief Clinical Officer at J. Flowers Health Institute! Discover the transformative benefits of guided meditation as Dr. Somerville guides you through a peaceful session. Elevate your daily routine with mindfulness.

Mindful Mondays: Dr. Melanie Somerville at J. Flowers Health Institute

Episode Number 88

Dr. Melanie Somerville gives expert insight into the power of Mindfulness.

Tune in every Monday to learn more.

John Karren – Wilderness Therapy – Why Does it Work?

Episode Number 87

John Karren is the owner and co-founder of Elements Wilderness Program in Utah. John helps run two therapeutic wilderness programs: Elements is for boys thirteen to seventeen, and Traverse is all gender, young adults eighteen to twenty five.

Today, John joins the show to discuss ‘non-traditional’ therapies and how the outdoors can be such a great benefit to everyone.

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Official Biography for Dr. James Flowers

For nearly three decades, Dr. James Flowers has been one of the most recognized and respected names in the field of chronic pain, addiction, and pain recovery. With his broad educational background and extensive experience in evaluating and treating mental health, chronic pain, and co-occurring addiction, he is recognized as an expert.

Dr. Flowers has completed several fellowships in behavioral pain management and has completed clinical rotations at the top healthcare institutions in the country.

He developed mental health, pain, and addiction recovery programs for some of the country’s best-known healthcare and addiction treatment centers. He directed medical and clinical programs integrating evaluation, diagnosis, and healthcare planning with treatment to promote successful recovery.

Dr. Flowers co-founded several well-known, exclusive treatment programs throughout the country, dedicated to his passion – that of designing multidisciplinary mental health and addiction treatment with medical and clinical protocols – to help individuals suffering from mental health, addiction, chronic pain, and other underlying disorders, successfully recover. With a demonstrated commitment to creating positive change in the lives of his clients, he is dedicated to progressive healthcare, human healing, and developing healthcare systems that best serve this population.

Dr. Flowers has been executing the protocol for assessments and evaluations for many years. Still, in founding J. Flowers Health Institute, he has advanced the process to satisfy a great void – to provide truly comprehensive assessment and evaluation for those who need a diagnosis and develop post-evaluation treatment recommendations. Having spent over 28 years in the medical and clinical community, Dr. Flowers is uniquely qualified to assemble some of the finest health care professionals in the world to perform these evaluations and provide treatment.

Over the years, Dr. Flowers’ passion and dedication to his clients, as well as his unique approach, has earned him an exceptional reputation as one of the nation’s premier experts. He is a popular public speaker and lecturer to audiences across the United States and abroad and has led an exceptional and distinguished career.

Dr. Flowers’ latest endeavor is hosting his weekly podcast “Understanding the Human Condition.” In each episode of Understanding the Human Condition, Dr. Flowers and his most-admired mentors, respected colleagues, and VIP guests share valuable insight into underlying health causes, conditions, and issues. These in-depth yet approachable episodes are an excellent resource for both private individuals and industry professionals.

“Everything is about you. Everything is about your health.” – Dr. James Flowers

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