Written by Casey Hersch, MSW, LCSW
March 29, 2022

During my clinical training, I learned about Dr. Rosenberg's nonviolent communication methods. Throughout my life, these methods have served me well. During a time when violence penetrates our thoughts, media, and world, nonviolent commmunication methods remind us that we have control over how we react and respond to others. We are all connected, so when we alter our responses and model compassionate communication, we positively affect everyone around us. Communication is at the heart of every action, violent or not. This intro video will expose you to the concepts and then the links, below, will give you free resources to further explore. You can also buy Dr. Rosenberg's book if you wish to dive in even deeper. 

https://www.nonviolentcommunication.com/learn-nonviolent-communication/key-facts/

https://www.nonviolentcommunication.com/learn-nonviolent-communication/4-part-nvc/

Written by Casey Hersch, MSW, LCSW
March 28, 2022

When I turned 40, my filters changed. Suddenly, I saw wrinkles on my forehead, lines around my eyes, and deep nasolabial folds. I thought I saw the wrinkles growing, deepening, appearing, multiplying before my very eyes! Then, I woke up to reality. Many of my peers, colleagues, role-models, icons were not aging naturally. In fact, I was comparing myself to others, believing I was aging poorly, when in fact, they were having cosmetic procedures, using botox, injecting fillers. I wasn't aging "worse," I was aging different---the natural way. I was allowing my aging to show itself on my face. I cannot say that I like the process of aging, but I do know that I am an all-natural person. Regardless of what people and even doctors say, I don't believe botox is natural and safe. I am going to ride this aging process naturally and allow my changes to be a testament to my life lived, my feelings expressed, and my body's service to me. 

Recently, I stumbled upon this video which is one of the best videos I have ever heard! Dana Berkowitz really unpacks the larger, more deeply rooted issues our society faces with aging. She also talks about the hypocrisy and the lies we tell ourselves and others about aging. I highly recommend no matter where you stand on the aging line or how you feel about procedures or not, this video will give you a lot to think about.  No matter what choice you make---own it, tell the truth. 

Written by Casey Hersch, MSW, LCSW
February 10, 2022
Published at DrAxe.com

This story originally appeared on DrAxe.com

This is part two in my article series on Dr.Axe.com. Part one was Using Integrative Approaches for Living with Chronic Illness.

During my childhood, I suffered from one illness after another. My parents believed that doctors had all of the answers to our life and health problems. Their perspective, though well-intended, created a dangerous situation for me.

This complete acceptance of physician recommendations rapidly sent me into a downward health spiral. We didn’t realize there were other alternatives for healing beyond the conventional Western medical model that focuses on symptom reduction, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.

Now, decades later, most of what we learn about our bodies still comes from the media, educational institutions, doctors, elders and the community that reinforce that our bodies are merely physical beings. Sadly, we rarely consider questioning those powerful influences.

When Symptom Management Causes More Symptoms

Written by Casey Hersch, LCSW
January 18, 2022

Melora Hardin, actor, takes us behind the scenes of her upcoming docuseries Thunder, Hunter, & Me and explores her views on trauma, healing, and human connection. Listen to Melora talk about Body Positivity and Aging here

 About Melora:
Melora Hardin is well known for her portrayal of ‘Jan Levinson,’ Steve Carell’s rigid, former corporate boss and love interest, on the critically acclaimed NBC series “The Office.” Additionally, Hardin was Emmy nominated in 2016 for her recurring role of ‘Tammy Cashman’ on Amazon’s Golden Globe-winning comedy “Transparent.” Last year she wrapped the fifth and final season of the Freeform series “The Bold Type.” Hardin starred as ‘Jacqueline Carlyle,” a strong but nurturing editor-in-chief at a high-end women’s magazine, inspired by the life of Joanna Coles of Cosmopolitan. Most recently, she competed in the 30th Season of ABC’s long running “Dancing With The Stars” series and made it to the Semi-Finals with her professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev. She also recurs on the ABC series “A Million Little Things.”

Written by Casey Hersch, LCSW
January 18, 2022

Melora Hardin, actor, speaks with me about her perspectives on Body Positivity and Aging and relates her experiences on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Listen to Melora talk about her trauma-based docuseries Thunder, Hunter, and Me here

About Melora:
Melora Hardin is well known for her portrayal of ‘Jan Levinson,’ Steve Carell’s rigid, former corporate boss and love interest, on the critically acclaimed NBC series “The Office.” Additionally, Hardin was Emmy nominated in 2016 for her recurring role of ‘Tammy Cashman’ on Amazon’s Golden Globe-winning comedy “Transparent.” Last year she wrapped the fifth and final season of the Freeform series “The Bold Type.” Hardin starred as ‘Jacqueline Carlyle,” a strong but nurturing editor-in-chief at a high-end women’s magazine, inspired by the life of Joanna Coles of Cosmopolitan. Most recently, she competed in the 30th Season of ABC’s long running “Dancing With The Stars” series and made it to the Semi-Finals with her professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev. She also recurs on the ABC series “A Million Little Things.”

Written by Casey Hersch, LCSW
January 18, 2022

Melora Hardin, actor, speaks with me about her perspectives on Body Positivity and aging and relates her time on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. She takes us behind the scenes of her upcoming docuseries Thunder, Hunter, & Me and explores her views on trauma, healing, and human connection. This is the full interview.

About Melora:
Melora Hardin is well known for her portrayal of ‘Jan Levinson,’ Steve Carell’s rigid, former corporate boss and love interest, on the critically acclaimed NBC series “The Office.” Additionally, Hardin was Emmy nominated in 2016 for her recurring role of ‘Tammy Cashman’ on Amazon’s Golden Globe-winning comedy “Transparent.” Last year she wrapped the fifth and final season of the Freeform series “The Bold Type.” Hardin starred as ‘Jacqueline Carlyle,” a strong but nurturing editor-in-chief at a high-end women’s magazine, inspired by the life of Joanna Coles of Cosmopolitan. Most recently, she competed in the 30th Season of ABC’s long running “Dancing With The Stars” series and made it to the Semi-Finals with her professional dance partner Artem Chigvintsev. She also recurs on the ABC series “A Million Little Things.”