First Responder Families Podcast

The First Responder Families Podcast: From Caretaking to Empowerment: Redefining "Codependency"

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health. 
This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country. FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. 
https://fherehab.com/services/first-responders/ 
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
It was very exciting to have Dr. Sachi Ananda on the show. She is The Director of Shatterproof for First Responders at FHE Health. 
In this very informative interview, there were several key points and takeaways:
Debunking myths and exploring healthier dynamics in supporting loved ones.
Shifting outdated perceptions and providing a nuanced understanding of this complex relational dynamic. 
Emphasis on setting boundaries, self-care, self-agency, and interdependence for optimal mental and relational health. 
We hope you enjoy this show. Until next time,
Ivona

The First Responder Families Podcast: Finding Calm Through Movement: Yoga for First Responders

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health. 
This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country. FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. 
https://fherehab.com/services/first-responders/ 
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
We were very excited to have Oliva Mead on the show. The Creator of YogaShield / Yoga for First Responders.
Olivia shares insights into the transformative power of yoga in addressing the unique physical, mental, and emotional challenges faced by those in high-stress professions. Discussing the benefits of mindfulness, breathwork, and physical postures tailored to the demands of first responders, helping them build resilience, manage stress, and recover from trauma. Exploring creative ways for first responders and their families to learn nervous system regulation techniques and postures together offers a unique opportunity to build connection and foster calm interactions.
Such a great and informative show. Thank you Olivia!
Find Olivia here:
https://www.yogaforfirstresponders.org/
Until next time - Take care
Ivona
 

The First Responder Families Podcast: Finding the Words: How to Act When it Feels Like There's Nothing You can Say or Do

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health. 
This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country. FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. 
https://fherehab.com/services/first-responders/ 
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
In this episode, Ivona hosts a panel discussion with Joi Honer, Director of Alumni Services at FHE Health, and Kathleen Strain, Partnership to End Addiction.
In this episode, we explore the power of communication when supporting a loved one facing substance use or mental health challenges. Our expert panelists discuss Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT)—a proven approach that equips families with tools to foster constructive conversations, reduce conflict, and encourage treatment engagement.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Mastering Communication: How to approach sensitive conversations with compassion and intention.✅ Active Listening: Techniques for truly hearing and understanding your loved one’s struggles.✅ Expressing Feelings Constructively: Learning to share concerns without triggering defensiveness.✅ Avoiding Judgment & Confrontation: Shifting from criticism to encouragement.✅ The Power of Positive Reinforcement: How reinforcing positive behavior can guide someone toward recovery.
Resources Mentioned:
🔹 FHE Health - Alumni Services – Support network for individuals in recovery.🔹 Partnership to End Addiction – Resources for families navigating addiction.🔹 CRAFT Model – Evidence-based family training for effective support.🔹 Podcast: Heart of the Matter with Elizabeth Vargas – Inspiring recovery stories from well-known figures.
🎧 Listen in and learn how the right words—delivered with empathy—can make all the difference
Until next time, 
- Ivona

The First Responders Families Podcast: “The power of “WE” in healing from PTSD and alcoholism” - Lauren Wilson

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health. 
This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country.
FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. 
https://fherehab.com/services/first-responders/ 
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
In this episode, Ivona speaks with Lauren Wilson. A spouse of a Shatterproof Alumni. 
Lauren shares her experience as the wife of a Shatterproof alumnus navigating her husband’s recovery journey, highlighting the "power of we" in creating a supportive and resilient environment. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing her own self-care to stay grounded, fostering an alcohol-free home to reduce triggers, and maintaining an open mindset toward the role of medication in recovery. Lauren underscores the value of setting clear boundaries to protect her well-being and that of her family, ultimately embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle that transformed their dynamic into one of healing, connection, and mutual growth.
A very informative show.
Until next time, be well.
- Ivona
 

The First Responder Families Podcast: Stress Less & Thrive This Holiday Season

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast   Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health.  This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country.
FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders.
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
Happy Holidays. The Family at FHE Health wishes each of you and your families a Happy and Safe Holiday Season. 
The Holidays can be a stressful and depressing time for many, but In this episode, Ivona gives great advice, suggestions and even goes through some reflection examples on how to mitigate stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed. 
Such a great and informational show.
Until next time.
-Ivona
 

The First Responder Families Podcast: Dr. Miguel Lewis Empowering Veterans & First Responders with ACT Therapy

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health.  This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country.
FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders. 
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
In this episode Ivona speaks with Dr. Miguel Lewis about the power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Dr. Lewis works in West Palm Beach FL Veterans Hospital where he provides individual, couples, and group therapy treatment. Miquel is Board Certified in Couple and Family treatment, as well as Board Certified in Couple and Family Psychology. He is also Certified as an Emotionally Focused Couples Therapist. 
He is trained and certified in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and has been providing ACT therapy to veterans for 14 years. As a professional he finds meaning in continuing training and expanding his expertise in evidenced based therapy model. 
A great and informative interview.
You can find Dr. Lewis here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-lewis-2b6771198/ 
Until next time - Be well
-Ivona
 

The First Responders Family Podcast: Breathing Through the Storm: Integral Breathwork for Healing and Resilience” with Lisalee Loew

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast   Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health.  This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country.
FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders.
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
In this episode Ivona chats with Lisalee Loew.
Lisalee is a holistic therapist at FHE Health specializing in master-level Integral Breathwork Therapy (IBT), with a focus on the interconnection and unification of the breath and the body. She is also a Reiki master, certified Access Bars practitioner, and motivational speaker. Her life experience with childhood trauma and, later, 12-step recovery sparked her interest in the mind/body connection, the emotional process, and its overall relationship to health and wholeness.
Lisalee is often asked to give IBT-related trainings to healthcare professionals and the wider public on themes like personal growth and development, stress management, somatic/health issues, and self-empowerment. She is passionate about creating safe, sacred spaces where healing and growth happen.
Ivona and Lisalee dive deep in this episode and Lisalee shares how Integral Breathwork Therapy is an essential part of the healing process. 
A great and informative interview.
You can find Lisalee here:
https://fherehab.com/team/lisalee-loew/ 
Until next time,
- Ivona

The First Responder Families Podcast: From Trauma to Triumph Shawn Wilson from FHE Health

Welcome back to The First Responder Families Podcast - Hosted by Ivona Bhahda. She is the Director of Family Services for FHE Health.  This podcast focuses on the health and wellness of families who support the brave men and women who serve our communities and our country.
FHE Health is a Nationally Recognized healthcare institution that delivers quality, medically integrated personalized treatment for those suffering from Behavioral Health Disorders. We are located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. We are proud to ethically serve the South Florida community as well as the nation with our healthcare services. We specialize in addictive disorders and other behavioral health diagnoses such as mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and traumatic disorders.
Struggling? FHE Health is here to help. Please call: 833.685.7536
In this episode Ivona talks with Shawn Wilson. Shawn is a National Liaison for FHE Health in The Shatterproof Program for First Responders. 
Shawn talks about his challenging journey and how he sought treatment in Shatterproof and how the program helped save his life. 
Shawn serves as a treatment resource to first responder and veteran communities in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, where he also educates medical and clinical providers about specialized treatment for the same population. Shawn has served in the U.S. Army more than 20 years and recently completed a 15-year career as a law enforcement patrol officer. Those experiences gave him an ability to relate to and empathize with those who struggle with mental and behavioral health issues. Shawn also has training in mental health awareness and suicide prevention, substance abuse education, crisis training, and human trafficking.
A great and informative interview.
Learn more about Shawn and Shatterproof here:
https://fherehab.com/services/first-responders/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-wilson-9a3834299/ 
Until next time, be well
- Ivona