Special Episode: When the Unthinkable Happens — Mental Health Support After Tragedy
Description
Host: Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, Qualified Supervisor
Moderator & Founder: Through the Valley Therapy & Transformed Mind Consulting and Coaching
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Event: A live webinar hosted by The Agency Austin, created in response to the devastating Central Texas flood and sudden loss of a beloved colleague in a hit-and-run.
Episode Experts:
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Dr. Kate Johnson (D.Min., LMHC, QS) — Featured in Episode 10: “Untangling the Threads: Insights on Biblical and Clinical Healing”
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Brian Gong (LMHC, QS; Certified Addiction Professional; EMDR Consultant) — Featured in Episode 60: “Healing Trauma at the Root: EMDR, Addiction, and Accountability”
What We Talk About
1. Why this panel matters
In light of the Central Texas flood’s massive loss of life and the hit-and-run tragedy, we gathered in community to bring real-time mental health support. This episode isn’t clinical theory—it’s grounded, compassionate care for real people in real time.
2. Live webinar replay
Hear the moderated conversation in full, with trauma-informed tools for healing, grounded in both professional experience and real-life crisis response.
3. Trusted expertise on trauma
Each of us—Kate, Brian, and myself—has walked alongside people affected by natural disasters, mass shootings, and community-wide grief. What we offer here is rooted in lived and professional wisdom.
4. Credential clarity
Note: I was misintroduced at the start as a registered play therapist—that’s incorrect. I am a licensed mental health counselor and integrative mental health provider, not a play therapist.
5. Core message: Hope over credentials
Our combined goal: meet you where you are, equip you with hope-filled tools, and remind you how to show up when everything feels broken.
Resources Mentioned (All Hyperlinked)
Grounding & Calming Tools
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5‑4‑3‑2‑1 Grounding Technique: A sensory method for present‑moment awareness Scribd+7Mental Health Center Kids+7Healthline+7
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Grounding Technique Handout (PDF) – 5‑4‑3‑2‑1 printable sheet
Apps & Tools
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Calm (meditation & breathwork app) — mentioned as a go-to for early regulation
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Apps like Breathly and PAUSE were also referenced as free tools to assist self-care
Books & Bibliotherapy
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Anxiety & Phobia Workbook — recommended for structured coping exercises
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Brave Bart and A Terrible Thing Happened — children’s book supporting grief conversations
Professional Therapy
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EMDR therapy — highly effective for treating trauma symptoms in youth and adults
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Children’s Bereavement Center — national resource for grief support in children
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Psychology Today therapist search — for vetted local providers via insurance, sliding scales
Community Support Models
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Recommendation to connect with local schools, hospitals, or mental health agencies for support groups
Quick Links
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Dr. Kate Johnson – Episode 10 – Untangling the Threads
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Brian Gong – Episode 60 – Healing Trauma at the Root
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The Agency Austin – [Real Estate & Community Hub]https://theagencyatx.com/
How to Use This Episode:
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Listen now wherever you get your podcast
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Share with individuals, support networks, schools, or nonprofit teams
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Check links above for tools you can implement today
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Keep the conversation going—check back in with those hurting tomorrow, next month, next year
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Subscribe for more trauma-informed care, biblical insight, and mental health restoration