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Listening is the first step in healing.

Welcome to this episode of the Choosing Help podcast with Dr. Tracy Stecker and Dr. Lisham Ashrafioun, where we dive deep into the art of active listening—an essential skill for meaningful connection, especially in emotionally charged or difficult conversations. Although listening may seem simple because we do it every day, being a truly effective listener requires intentional effort and practice. In this episode, we break down the three critical steps of active listening that engage three diff

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Once a Warrior: Why Veterans Struggle to Seek Mental Health Care

Hosted by Dr. Tracy Stecker, Choosing Help is a podcast about courage, connection, and the transformative power of asking for support. Through candid conversations, expert insights, and real-world stories, we break down stigma and open doors to understanding—because when we choose help, we choose life. In this episode, Dr. Stecker welcomes retired Army Colonel and psychiatrist Dr. Charles Hoge, author of Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior. Together, they tackle one of the most pressing issues in

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From Fear to Freedom: Treating Anxiety Sensitivity and Social Anxiety

In this episode, Dr. Tracy Stecker and Dr. Nicholas Allen dive deep into the science of anxiety and its many forms. They unpack the concept of anxiety sensitivity—a heightened fear of bodily sensations—and explore how it drives avoidance behaviors that disrupt daily life. Dr. Allen shares evidence-based treatments, including exercise programs and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques like interoceptive exposure, which help individuals confront and manage feared sensations. The conversa

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Pain and Isolation: How Chronic Pain and Loneliness Shape Health—and What We Can Do About It

Chronic pain affects nearly 20% of adults in the U.S., but its impact goes far beyond physical discomfort. In this episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Tracy Stecker sits down with Dr. Lisham Ashrafioun to explore the powerful—and often overlooked—connection between chronic pain and social disconnection. Together, they unpack how loneliness and isolation influence brain chemistry, worsen health outcomes, and increase risks for depression and even suicide. You’ll learn why psychosocial interventions l