The Art of Drawing a Life and Rethinking Behavioral Healthcare w/ Dr. Ross Ellenhorn, LICSW, Ph.D. [Episode 153]

In his conversation with Dr. Ross Ellenhorn LICSW, Ph.D,  Paul Krauss MA LPC explores themes central to both Ellenhorn's clinical philosophy and his recent book, Purple Crayons: The Art of Drawing a Life. Ellenhorn, a distinguished psychotherapist, sociologist, and founder of innovative mental health programs, brings an emphasis on reclaiming creativity and curiosity as vital tools for personal transformation and healing. The dialogue delves into how the metaphor of the "purple crayon"—inspired by Harold’s imaginative adventures—serves as a call to embrace risk, playfulness, and authenticity in the face of conformity and societal norms. Drawing from Ellenhorn’s biographical background and Krauss’s pattern of unfiltered interviews on The Intentional Clinician Podcast, their exchange highlights the necessity of empowering individuals to draw their own paths, nurture their innate originality, and challenge the narratives that often hinder true change. Their discussion intertwines psychological insights with practical reflections on how imagination fuels resilience and self-realization. The interview also discusses the current changes and difficulties of American culture as well as the dangers facing the fields of psychotherapy and psychology.

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Paul Krauss MA LPC is the Clinical Director of Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, an Approved EMDRIA Consultant , host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, Counseling Supervisor, and Meditation Teacher. Paul is now offering consulting for a few individuals and organizations. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Counselors. Paul has been quoted in the Washington Post, NBC News, Wired Magazine, and Counseling Today. Questions? Call the office at 616-200-4433. 

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Original Music:

”Alright” from the album Mystic by PAWL (Spotify)

“After the Rain” from Land's End Eternal by Cole Pulice (Spotify)