Brainwaves by Opus

How to Know When EMDR Is the Right Fit | With Molly Halbrooks, Founder of Restore Counseling

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we’re joined by Molly Halbrooks, founder of Restore Counseling & Therapy in Belmont, North Carolina. Molly shares her journey from solo private practice to building a small group practice and why community matters, both for clients and therapists. We dive deep into trauma therapy, including why Molly chose EMDR, how it works in plain language, and why so many clients describe it as life changing. We also explore how mindfulness, breathwork, and body based practices can help regulate the nervous system, why tech and social media can isolate us into echo chambers, and what therapists do to protect their own capacity while holding heavy stories for others. In this conversation: Why Molly moved from solo work to a group practice What EMDR is and why it can be so effective for trauma Trauma and memory: why it can feel like you’re reliving it A simple EMDR explanation: from “VR” to a picture Breathwork and mindfulness as a real world tool, not just a concept When EMDR may not be the right fit and what options exist Thoughts on psychedelics in trauma treatment and why the research matters Therapist burnout, capacity, and why solo trips can be self care Social media, boredom, creativity, and connection for kids and adults Learn more about Molly’s practice: restorecounselingtherapy.com

How Online Therapy Cuts Cancellations and Expands Access | with Mark Nolte, founder of Start Talking

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, Shawn Rickenbacker sits down with Mark Nolte, co-founder and CEO of Start Talking, a virtual therapy platform helping people access counseling through secure remote sessions. Mark shares how his own experience seeking help for depression revealed a major barrier: the fear of being seen, judged, or stigmatized. That insight sparked Start Talking’s mission to make therapy private, convenient, and easier to stick with. The conversation covers how COVID accelerated teletherapy adoption years ahead of predictions, why online sessions often reduce cancellations, and how AI can remove documentation and administrative burdens so therapists can spend more time with patients. We explore: Why privacy and stigma still stop people from getting help How teletherapy expanded access for rural and underserved communities Why online therapy can reduce cancellations (and make care easier to follow through on) The realities of scaling a nationwide therapist network Where AI fits into mental health, from clinical notes to journaling insights Why the future belongs to clinicians who adopt AI tools responsibly Learn more: www.starttalking.io

Multi-Purpose Care for Autism | With Nafisa Obi, Founder of Essential Speech and ABA Therapy

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we’re joined by Nafisa Obi, licensed speech-language pathologist and co-founder of Essential Speech & ABA Therapy. What began as a single outpatient speech therapy clinic in 2017 evolved into a multidisciplinary autism care model offering speech, occupational, and ABA therapy under one roof. Nafisa shares how fragmented care was burning out families and clinicians alike, and why collaboration became central to their mission. Today, Essential Speech & ABA Therapy operates 18 clinics across corporate and franchise locations, expanding access while staying grounded in empathy, integrity, and excellence in care. Topics we cover: Why fragmented autism care creates burnout for families Delivering speech, OT, and ABA therapy under one roof Conducting shared assessments across disciplines Using a single documentation platform for alignment and transparency Scaling through franchising without compromising culture Leading with empathy while maintaining accountability Treating families as part of the care team 📚 Book recommendation: Crucial Conversations by Joseph Grenny

How Nurocoach Helps Patients Address Root Causes | With Alex Kurian, co-founder and CEO of Nurocoach

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Alex Kurian, co-founder of NuroCoach, to explore why so many patients feel stuck cycling through the same mental health treatments, and how NuroCoach is working to change that. Drawing from his own experience as a patient, Alex shares how repeated medication adjustments and disconnected care models often fail to address underlying trauma and long-term wellness. NuroCoach was built to offer a more structured, holistic approach by integrating psychiatry, therapy, coaching, and neuromodulation into a phased care journey. The conversation also dives into mental health stigma, especially within immigrant communities, the realities of affordability and insurance access, and the challenges of building a mission-driven organization without compromising values. Topics we cover: Why patients feel trapped in repetitive mental health care cycles Addressing root causes instead of surface-level symptoms NuroCoach’s structured, phased care model The role of trauma in ADHD, depression, and anxiety Reducing stigma and increasing access to care Choosing insurance participation to expand reach Building trust and empowering patients toward independence

Building Recovery Programs That Actually Work | With Brian Tierney, Executive Director of Curawest

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Brian Tierney, Executive Director of Cura West in Denver, part of the Guardian Recovery Network. Brian shares his journey from property management into addiction treatment, driven by his own long-term recovery and a desire to help others. Over the past decade, he’s worked his way up from entry-level roles to leading one of Colorado’s top detox and residential treatment centers. At Cura West, Brian helped transform the program from a struggling startup into a high-performing, expanding facility, improving staff culture, patient satisfaction, and financial stability along the way. Topics we cover: Transitioning into addiction treatment and overcoming financial fear Why working in recovery is not the same as personal recovery The value of starting in entry-level roles before leadership Building leadership teams that collaborate instead of operating in silos How staff experience directly impacts patient outcomes Turning around KPIs across staff retention, patient satisfaction, and finances Scaling responsibly from detox to residential and virtual IOP Why sustainable growth starts with stabilizing culture and care Learn more: Cura West: https://curawest.com Guardian Recovery Network: https://grncare.com

Why Sleep is the Front Door to Mental Health | With Tim Lewandowski, CEO of MindLab

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Tim Lewandowski, CEO of MindLab, a tech-for-good company launched from the Mental Health Association of San Francisco. Tim shares how MindLab was created to bridge nonprofit mission with scalable technology, bringing evidence-based mental health tools to people worldwide without geographic barriers. We explore Pocket Kado, MindLab’s first product developed with Stanford Medicine, a gamified cognitive behavioral therapy app designed to improve sleep and mental wellbeing. With a staggering 43,000-to-1 patient-to-provider ratio for CBT-I in the U.S., Tim explains why insomnia is one of the most underserved areas in mental health care, and how technology can help close that gap. Topics we cover: How MindLab emerged from the Mental Health Association of San Francisco Why sleep plays a foundational role in mental health The shortage of CBT-I providers and what it means for patients How Pocket Kado uses gamification and mindfulness to build healthy sleep habits Designing technology that encourages people to put their phone down Balancing nonprofit ethics with for-profit scalability Using tech innovation to sustain mental health services amid funding cuts Learn more: MindLab: https://mindlabmh.com Pocket Kado: Available on iOS and Android (learn more)

How Online Therapy Cuts Cancellations and Expands Access | with Mark Nolte, founder of Start Talking

The Neuroscience of Trauma Recovery | With Jennie Marie Battistin, founder of Hope Therapy Center

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Jennie Marie Battistin, LMFT, trauma specialist, author of Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day, and founder of Hope Therapy Center, a multi-location practice integrating EMDR, brainspotting, psychiatry, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Jennie Marie explains the neuroscience of trauma, why memories become “stuck” in the amygdala, and how EMDR and brainspotting help clients reprocess overwhelming experiences so they no longer dominate daily life. She also shares her journey into ketamine-assisted therapy, the surprising outcomes she witnessed, and what makes someone a safe candidate for psychedelic-assisted care. Topics we explore: -How she discovered trauma recovery work in high school by “holding the story” for friends -Why trauma gets stored in the amygdala and how EMDR moves it into the prefrontal cortex for reprocessing -Brainspotting: how “where we look determines how we feel” -What EMDR treatment timelines look like and why beliefs like “I am to blame” often attach to trauma -Why Hope Therapy Center has a 96% success rate helping clients taper off psychotropic medications -Mindfulness practices that change the brain in 30 days, especially for teens dealing with anxiety and social comparison 📚 Books Jennie Recommends:⁠ Mindfulness for Teens in 10 Minutes a Day⁠ by Jennie Marie Battistin⁠ Mindfulness for Teens Journal⁠ by Jennie Marie Battistin ⁠The Queen’s Path ⁠by Dr. Stacy Simmons

Breaking Cycles of Trauma | With Robyn Pendleton, LCSW

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Robyn Pendleton, LCSW, a clinician whose work spans foster care, shelters, community mental health, and culturally responsive trauma therapy. Robyn brings a rare blend of clinical experience, cultural perspective, and personal healing — including her own journey reframing and expanding beyond domestic violence — to help individuals break cycles of transgenerational trauma. She explores how inner child work, cultural identity, community context, epigenetics, and even biohacking shape the future of mental health care. Topics we cover: Why “we're just all overgrown, large children” and how inner child work shapes adulthood What transgenerational trauma looks like in families, communities, and systems How to “not mirror brokenness” when working with clients Reframing inherited beliefs vs. inherent identity How core beliefs are formed, reinforced, and healed Epigenetics and why trauma can alter gene expression across generations Biohacking practices (cold plunges, fasting, breathwork, meditation) as tools for reclaiming control of the mind and body Robyn’s personal practice: Reframe Within, Expand Beyond 📚 Books Robyn Recommends: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy DeGruy Unraveling by Deanna Lorea

From Homelessness to Healing Others | With Wade Muhlhauser, founder & CEO of Plugged In Recovery

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Wade Muhlhauser, Founder and CEO of Plugged In Recovery, a rapidly growing recovery organization in Scottsdale, Arizona that is redefining what compassionate, client-centered addiction treatment looks like. Wade shares his powerful personal journey, from two decades of opioid addiction and homelessness to building one of Arizona’s most innovative recovery networks. His leadership is rooted in empathy, honesty, and lived experience, qualities that shape Plugged In’s model and culture. Topics include: How Wade’s personal journey shaped Plugged In’s mission The issues with profit-first treatment models Scaling a recovery organization through empathy and transparency Why overstaffing for individualized care leads to better outcomes Building a team and culture anchored in honesty, accountability, and compassion Why listening to clients is the foundation for effective recovery 📌 Resources Mentioned: Good to Great by Jim Collins Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell Plugged In Recovery Website: https://pluggedinrecovery.com

How Alumni Programs Prevent Relapse (And Help Organizations Scale) | With Cody Palmer of Team Recovery

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Cody Palmer, Director of Business Development at Team Recovery Technologies, a company helping addiction treatment programs strengthen alumni engagement through technology and community. Cody shares his personal journey from construction to behavioral health, how a family crisis led him into recovery, and how Team Recovery’s tech platform is helping providers nationwide reduce relapse and increase alumni referrals. Topics include: How alumni programs bridge the gap between treatment and long-term recovery Why connection and community reduce relapse risk The technology behind Team Recovery’s custom alumni app Using gamified surveys and data to measure outcomes The impact of a strong alumni community on referrals and retention Lessons from scaling to 275+ treatment programs across the U.S. Mentioned Resources: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne The Four-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling by Frank Bettger Team Recovery Technologies Website: https://www.teamrecovery.io

Building Continuous Care For Rural Children | With Craig Aasved, CEO of Shodair Children's Hospital

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Craig Aasved, CEO of Shodair Children’s Hospital, Montana’s only psychiatric facility dedicated exclusively to children and adolescents. Craig shares how Shodair is redefining youth mental health care in a rural state, expanding beyond inpatient services to include outpatient clinics, school-based therapy programs, and telehealth to reach kids in every corner of Montana. Topics include: Building a full continuum of care across inpatient, outpatient, and school settings How school partnerships help identify kids earlier and prevent crises Overcoming rural access and staffing challenges The impact of trauma-informed models like the Sanctuary Institute Leading through loss and creating a culture of honesty and healing Future goals: expanding school programs statewide and launching eating disorder services Craig’s leadership journey is a powerful example of how purpose, prevention, and partnerships can transform mental health access for kids. Resources Mentioned: The Four Stages of Psychological Safety by Timothy R. Clark The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt The Sanctuary Institute: https://www.thesanctuaryinstitute.org/ Shodair Children’s Hospital: https://shodair.org/

Scaling Your Behavioral Health Organization Without Losing Culture | With Andy Flanagan, CEO of Iris Telehealth

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Andy Flanagan, CEO of Iris Telehealth, a leading telepsychiatry company connecting patients to licensed mental health providers across the U.S. Andy shares lessons from his career leading startups and global enterprises, from scaling Iris fivefold since 2020, to fostering culture and accountability, to reimagining telehealth as a seamless part of modern healthcare. Topics include: Why telehealth will soon be “just healthcare,” not a separate category How Iris delivers care in high-acuity settings like emergency departments and Medicaid clinics Balancing innovation with execution to drive sustainable growth How empathy and culture fuel clinician engagement Data science and predictive models for early intervention The leadership lessons behind scaling profitably in a mission-driven space Resources Mentioned: ⁠Blue Ocean Strategy⁠ by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne ⁠Crossing the Chasm⁠ by Geoffrey Moore ⁠Innovator’s Dilemma⁠ by Clayton Christensen ⁠Zero to IPO⁠ by Frederic Kerrest

Scaling Your Behavioral Health Organization Without Losing Culture | With Andy Flanagan, CEO of Iris Telehealth

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Andy Flanagan, CEO of Iris Telehealth, a leading telepsychiatry company connecting patients to licensed mental health providers across the U.S. Andy shares lessons from his career leading startups and global enterprises, from scaling Iris fivefold since 2020, to fostering culture and accountability, to reimagining telehealth as a seamless part of modern healthcare. Topics include: Why telehealth will soon be “just healthcare,” not a separate category How Iris delivers care in high-acuity settings like emergency departments and Medicaid clinics Balancing innovation with execution to drive sustainable growth How empathy and culture fuel clinician engagement Data science and predictive models for early intervention The leadership lessons behind scaling profitably in a mission-driven space Resources Mentioned: Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne Crossing the Chasm by Geoffrey Moore Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen Zero to IPO by Frederic Kerrest

How Warm Handoffs Improve Outcomes | With Karri Francisco, Executive Director of Telehealth at APN

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we talk with Karri Francisco, Executive Director of Telehealth at All Points North (APN), one of the most innovative and outcomes-driven behavioral health organizations in the country. Karri shares how APN built an integrated model connecting detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, IOP, and outpatient services into one coordinated continuum of care. She discusses how warm handoffs, real-time communication, and telehealth help clients stay engaged and supported at every level, from their first session to long-term recovery. Topics include: How APN integrates residential, telehealth, and experiential therapy Why “warm handoffs” build trust and reduce client drop-off Overcoming time zone challenges in national virtual care delivery Using data and the Acorn Collaborative to track outcomes in real time Scaling clinical operations without losing the human touch How APN uses programs like surf therapy and movement-based healing to support trauma recovery Mentioned Resources: The 80/80 Marriage by Nate & Kaley Klemp #BehavioralHealth #Telehealth #ContinuityOfCare #AddictionRecovery

When the Solution Becomes the Problem | With Dr. Michael Barnes, Director, Michael Barnes Family Institute @ NRT Health

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Dr. Michael Barnes, counselor, educator, and clinical leader at The Foundry Treatment Center and The Michael Barnes Family Institute. Dr. Barnes shares his decades of experience helping families navigate trauma and addiction, and why lasting recovery requires healing not just the individual, but the entire family system. Topics include: -How addiction creates “secondary trauma” in families -What it means to move from a “new normal” to a newer normal in recovery -Why families often mirror the symptoms of PTSD -How to teach boundaries and regulation without shame -The difference between co-dependence and pro-dependence Dr. Barnes also explores how clinicians can build trust with families, why “enabling” is a trauma response, and how families can move from crisis toward connection. Mentioned Resources: -When the Solution Becomes the Problem by Dr. Michael Barnes -Prodependence: Beyond the Myth of Codependency by Robert Weiss -Start With Why by Simon Sinek #AddictionRecovery #FamilyHealing #TraumaInformedCare #BehavioralHealth

What Families Can Do In Addiction Recovery | With Jennifer Chase, Founder, Rise Addiciton Life Counseling

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Jennifer Chase, Life Coach and Founder of Rise Addiction Life Coaching. Jennifer shares her extraordinary story of transformation, from growing up in a family marked by addiction and trauma, to battling her own opioid dependence, to watching her son face the same struggle. Today, she helps families heal generational patterns and find peace, even when a loved one is still using. Topics include: How addiction becomes a family disease, not an individual one Why boundaries are protection, not punishment The difference between enabling and supporting a loved one How parents can “allow the muddling” and let natural consequences teach Healing shame and codependency within families Jennifer’s story is raw, powerful, and deeply hopeful, a must-listen for anyone touched by addiction or family trauma. Resources Mentioned: Unhooked by Jason Coombs Codependent No More by Melody Beattie Let Them by Mel Robbins Conquering Shame and Codependency by Darlene Lancer Rise Addiction Life Coaching

How AI Is Helping People Reprogram Their Minds | With Michelle Walters, Creator of Make My Hypno

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Michelle Walters, Clinical Hypnotherapist and creator of Make My Hypno, an AI-assisted platform that delivers personalized hypnosis recordings in minutes. Michelle shares her journey from corporate marketing into clinical hypnotherapy, how COVID pushed her to pursue a purpose-driven career change, and what inspired her to merge her love of tech and psychology to make mental wellness tools more accessible. Topics include: How hypnosis works and why it’s scientifically validated The difference between stage hypnosis and clinical hypnotherapy Using AI to create custom self-hypnosis experiences How repetition and accessibility improve long-term outcomes Why AI can augment therapy but not replace the human element Michelle also discusses the misconceptions surrounding hypnosis, how it can help with anxiety, phobias, and bad habits, and her vision for blending technology and empathy in the next era of mental health. Mentioned Resources: Make My Hypno Site An Alignment of Spirit: Finding Work You Love by Michelle Walters The Hypnotist’s Love Story by Liane Moriarty

Why Women Leaders Matter in Recovery | With Ajita Shah & Melissa Maranzano of Innerspace Counseling

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Ajita Shah, LPC, ACS, PMH-C, founder of Innerspace Counseling, and Melissa Maranzano, Administrative Director. Together, they share how they built a trauma-informed, female-led practice in New Jersey offering PHP and IOP programs for children, adolescents, and adults.Ajita and Melissa discuss their personal journeys in behavioral health, the importance of representation and mentorship for women in leadership, and how Innerspace is addressing unique needs like perinatal mental health, mom guilt, and family engagement.Topics include:-Identifying and closing gaps in the mental health system-Why representation and mentorship for women leaders matter-Supporting moms with perinatal mental health services-Creating boutique, individualized care in a small practice model-The operational lessons learned in building and sustaining a practice

Why Investing in Staff Creates Better Recovery Outcomes | With Bill Bailey CEO of Cenikor Foundation

In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Bill Bailey, President and CEO of Cenikor Foundation, one of the most respected nonprofit recovery organizations in the U.S. Bill shares how Cenikor grew from serving fewer than 1,000 people a year in 2004 to over 15,000 individuals annually today, without ever losing sight of its mission. From blending lived experience with formal education, to building leadership pipelines and funding recovery support specialists even after grants disappeared, Cenikor is a case study in scaling recovery with both compassion and discipline. Topics include: -Building systems that allow nonprofits to scale while staying mission-driven -Why over 60% of Cenikor staff being in recovery strengthens the continuum -Investing $160K annually in staff education and leadership development -Cenikor’s unique blended nonprofit/insurance model -The importance of alumni networks and recovery support specialists Bill also shares deeply human stories from the frontlines of recovery, from a child thanking him for “giving me my mommy back” to clients rebuilding their humanity after decades in addiction. Mentioned Resources: -Cenikor Foundation website: https://www.cenikor.org/ -Good to Great by Jim Collins -Factfulness by Hans Rosling #AddictionRecovery #BehavioralHealth #NonprofitLeadership #RecoveryAtScale