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Clients Who Refuse Help

Why do some people insist they “don’t need help” even when life is clearly overwhelming? Dr. Tracy Stecker talks with educator and prison instructor Ronald Pendley about creating trust, reading context, and meeting people where they are—without shame or ultimatum. From a hungry student whose “discipline issues” were really unmet needs, to hard moments with incarcerated men, we explore grace, honesty, boundaries, and the role of peer examples. We also discuss a harm‑reduction lens: seeking he

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When ‘I’m Good’ Really Means ‘I Need Help’

Many people who clearly struggle with mental health or substance use still say, “I don’t need help.” In this conversation, Dr. Tracy Stecker and longtime teacher/prison educator Ronald Pendley unpack what “I’m good” can really mean—mistrust, fear, learned survival strategies—and how honest, empathetic, non‑judgmental conversations can open the door to support. You’ll hear stories from classrooms and prisons, why boundaries matter, and how harm‑reduction can be a compassionate first

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Confronting Stigma and Embracing Recovery

In this impactful episode of the Choosing Help podcast, Dr. Tracy Stecker is joined by Tedra Cobb and Dr. Lisham Ashrafioun to explore the pervasive stigma surrounding substance use disorders and addiction. Through heartfelt stories—including Dr. Stecker’s personal account of her elderly mother’s struggle with pain management and addiction—this conversation sheds light on how stigma complicates recognizing addiction and seeking help. The episode highlights the Community Conversations program

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Untangling Addiction: When Substance Use Breaks Bonds

In this insightful episode of the Choosing Help podcast, Dr. Tracy Stecker is joined by Tyler Webb, a therapist and social worker specializing in substance use disorder treatment. Together, they explore the profound impact addiction has on relationships, examining how substance use can create patterns of isolation, shame, and behavioral changes that strain connections between loved ones. They discuss the subtle signs that a relationship may be deteriorating, the emotional toll on both the pers

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Soul Care in a Chaotic World: Spirituality, Mental Health, and the Power of Starting Small

In this episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Tracy Stecker speaks with Michael Dennis—pastor, storyteller, comedian, and longtime Austin community leader—about the deep connections between spirituality, mental health, and the search for meaning. Drawing from his 25 years in ministry, personal experiences with his mother’s schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s, and his work with people facing depression, loneliness, and addiction, Michael explores what it means to care for the soul in a culture that often negl

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Suicide, Support, and Hope

In this powerful and compassionate episode of Choosing Help, Dr. Tracy Stecker sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Jay Baffa for an honest conversation about suicidal thoughts—how common they actually are, what drives them, and, most importantly, how people can find help and hope. Together they break down the stigma around talking about suicide, explore the emotional pain that often underlies these thoughts, and discuss why reaching out—whether to a loved one, a professional, or even a st

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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