The Conscious Cup

Access and Empathy: Navigating Mental Health Barriers

In this conversation, Lacy Simmons, a licensed psychotherapist, shares her journey into mental health, focusing on her work with the unhoused population in Los Angeles. She discusses the intersection of mental health and homelessness, the barriers individuals face in accessing services, and the importance of trauma-informed care. Lacy emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and the recognition of humanity in those experiencing homelessness. She also highlights the significance of boundaries in therapy and personal life, and the evolving landscape of mental health treatment, advocating for greater accessibility and inclusivity in mental health services.Lacy Simmons is a licensed therapist and clinical social worker in Los Angeles, California. One of her professional areas of focus includes working to support the mental health and recovery of unhoused Angelenos as they transition from street homelessness into permanent supportive housing. Additionally, in Lacy's private practice she is known as "The Boundary Therapist" and works with adults on understanding the importance of establishing healthy boundaries in all aspects of their lives. Lacy uses multiple treatment modalities to address trauma recovery including EMDR.Story Notes:Introduction to Lacy Simmons and Her JourneyAddressing Homelessness and Mental HealthBarriers to Accessing Mental Health ServicesSuccess Stories in Mental Health SupportSeeing Humanity in the UnhousedUnderstanding Trauma-Informed CareThe Importance of BoundariesNavigating Chronic Illness and SupportEvolving Mental Health LandscapeTo learn more about Lacy Simmons, visit:Website: https://msha.ke/theboundarytherapistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theboundarytherapist/To learn more about the Social Brew, visit: https://socialbrew.us/

Building a Community of Hope: AIM's Fight Against Trafficking

In this episode of The Conscious Cup Podcast, Don and Bridget Brewster share their journey of founding Agape International Missions (AIM) and their work in combating sex trafficking in Cambodia. They discuss the origins of AIM and how they were inspired to take action after witnessing the trafficking of children in Cambodia. The couple explains the various programs and initiatives AIM has implemented, including aftercare centers, a SWAT team, an employment center, and a school. They also highlight the importance of self-care and celebrating victories in the fight against trafficking. The Brewsters emphasize the need for financial support, prayer, and awareness-building to combat this issue.Story Notes: The Origins of AIM and the Need for Action The Programs and Initiatives of AIM Taking Care of Oneself and Celebrating Victories Supporting the Fight Against Sex Trafficking Future Plans for AIM Getting Involved in the Fight Against TraffickingTo learn more about Bridget and Don Brewster, visit:https://aimfree.org/To learn more about the Social Brew, visit: https://socialbrew.us/

Freedom Doesn’t Come With a Completion Certificate: A Conversation With Jenny Footle

Join Simone Ispahani on The Conscious Cup podcast as she delves into the inspiring journey of Jenny Footle, the incredible founder of Beautiful Feet Wellness, in this week's episode. In this episode, Simone and Jenny discuss the origins of Beautiful Feet Wellness, Jenny's personal experiences with human trafficking, and the impactful work she does to help survivors heal holistically—body, mind, and spirit.Jenny shares her journey from volunteering at safe houses to founding Beautiful Feet Wellness, emphasizing the importance of community and real relationships in the healing process. With a background in fitness and personal training, Jenny explains how physical activity plays a vital role in helping survivors reconnect with their bodies and move from a state of survival to thriving.The episode also delves into the challenges Jenny faced as a person of color and someone with lived experience, highlighting the barriers she overcame to establish and sustain Beautiful Feet Wellness. As Jenny pursues her studies in public health, she sheds light on the holistic approach the organization takes and the significance of building a strong support system for survivors.Story Notes:Building Community and ConnectionFormation of Beautiful Feet WellnessMission and Approach of Beautiful Feet WellnessChallenges Faced as an EntrepreneurSupporting Long-Term HealingMoving from Surviving to ThrivingUpcoming Events and ProjectsBook ReleaseTo learn more about Jenny Footle, visit:Website: https://beautifulfeetwellness.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautiful.feet.wellness/Website: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/railroad-jenny-footle/1143803183?ean=9798223788607To learn more about the Social Brew, visit: https://socialbrew.us/

Metamorphosis of Hope: The Butterfly Effect with Emily Karc

In this episode of The Conscious Cup, host Simone Ispahani sits down with Emily Karc, the founder of Learning to Live Beloved Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. Emily shares her inspiring journey, revealing how a chance encounter with a survivor led her to step out of her comfort zone and embark on a mission to provide hope, healing, and restoration to women in need. Join Simone and Emily as they delve into the heart of human trafficking awareness, the challenges faced, and the transformative power of faith and community support.Simone and Emily reflect on the power of community support, faith, and the willingness to step into the unknown to create meaningful change.Listeners are encouraged to get involved, ask questions, and support organizations like Learning to Live Beloved Ministries to make a difference in the fight against human trafficking.Story Notes:☕ Introduction to Emily and Learning to Live Beloved Ministries☕ The Meaning Behind "Learning to Live Beloved"☕ Challenges in Addressing Human Trafficking Locally☕ Creating Impact Through "Angel Packs"☕ Overcoming Challenges and Imposter SyndromeTo learn more about Emily, visit:https://www.livebeloved.org/To learn more about the Social Brew, visit: https://socialbrew.us/

Finding Purpose: Tammy Bitanga on Sparking Change

On this episode of "The Conscious Cup" podcast, Simone Ispahani welcomes Tammy Bitanga, the Interim Director of Community Programs at Hoʻōla Nā Pua and a survivor of childhood sexual exploitation. Tammy's journey into advocacy began when she attended a women's conference in 2010 and learned about human trafficking. Over the years, she became deeply involved with Hoʻōla Nā Pua, focusing on raising awareness about this critical issue.Tammy's personal history involves early childhood abuse, foster care, victimization, and a period of chronic runaway experiences. Her commitment to advocacy and mentoring for trafficking victims stems from her own healing journey.Hoʻōla Nā Pua, where Tammy works, is dedicated to awareness, education, and prevention of sex trafficking. They prioritize educating children about healthy relationships and risk factors to prevent victimization. Pearl Haven, part of their efforts, provides a safe place for children aged 11 to 17 who have been exploited, integrating cultural activities into the healing process.Additionally, Tammy emphasizes the significance of the Starfish Mentoring Program, which supports survivors aged 11 to 24, both within and outside of Pearl Haven. Her dedication to this cause is rooted in her own transformation and the hope of creating a world free from human trafficking.Tammy's story serves as an inspirational beacon in the fight against trafficking, highlighting the importance of understanding, empathy, and respecting survivors' boundaries in their healing journey.Story Notes: Tammy Bitanga's Background Prevention and Healing Empowering Survivors Awareness, Education, Prevention, and Support Tammy's Role in Hoʻōla Nā Pua Healing JourneyTo learn more about Tammy, visit:www.hoolanapua.orgTo learn more about the Social Brew, visit: https://socialbrew.us/