Ep. 68 - Is It Autism or Trauma? Diagnosing Adults on the Spectrum with Dr. Benson Fox, Psy.D.
Release Date: 08/06/2025
Ep. 68 - Is It Autism or Trauma? Diagnosing Adults on the Spectrum with Dr. Benson Fox, Psy.D.
The Holistic Counselor
What does it really mean to be “on the spectrum”—and why are so many adults just now getting diagnosed? In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Diana sits down with Dr. Benson Fox, Psy.D., an Orthodox Jewish psychologist, school counselor, professor, and group leader of Adulting on the Spectrum, to explore the truths, myths, and real-life challenges of navigating adult life as a neurodivergent person. They unpack the confusion around late diagnoses, the overlap with trauma, and how stigma shows up—especially in faith-based, immigrant, and culturally...
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Ep. 67 - Psychiatric Deprescribing & Women’s Mental Health: A Holistic Approach with Dr. Amy O’Donnell, M.D.
The Holistic Counselor
Feeling stuck on psychiatric meds and wondering if there's another way? This episode will change the game. Today I’m joined by Dr. Amy O’Donnell, a brilliant integrative psychiatrist who specializes in psychiatric deprescribing and women’s mental health. She’s helping clients move from surviving on scripts to thriving in mind, body, and spirit. Amy and I get real about the limits of traditional psychiatry, the risks of long-term medication use, and how integrative care offers hope and healing—especially for women navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and...
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Ep. 66 - Escaping Spiritual Abuse & Church Trauma: Healing After High-Control Religion w/ Sowania Germain, LMHC-D, PMHC
The Holistic Counselor
Hello there, fearfully and wonderfully made human—and welcome to another episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast. I’m your host, Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS—founder of and . Today’s guest is the powerful and compassionate Sowania Germain, LMHC-D, PMHC—also known as The Mama Therapist. Sowania joins us to share her courageous story of escaping a spiritually abusive, cult-like church and how her healing journey led her to become a trauma-informed therapist and ministry leader. We unpack how faith can be weaponized, the signs...
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Special Episode: When the Unthinkable Happens — Mental Health Support After Tragedy
The Holistic Counselor
Host: Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, Qualified Supervisor Moderator & Founder: Through the Valley Therapy & Transformed Mind Consulting and Coaching Release Date: July 21, 2025 Event: A live webinar hosted by , created in response to the devastating Central Texas flood and sudden loss of a beloved colleague in a hit-and-run. Episode Experts: (D.Min., LMHC, QS) — Featured in Episode 10: “Untangling the Threads: Insights on Biblical and Clinical Healing” (LMHC, QS; Certified Addiction Professional; EMDR Consultant)...
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Ep. 65 - Healing Trauma Through Faith: How to Reclaim Identity and Hope with Rebecca Medina Stewart, Author of "SEEN"
The Holistic Counselor
Content Warning: This episode includes sensitive discussions around sexual assault, suicidal ideation, religious trauma, and faith deconstruction. Please listen with care and refer to the support resources listed below if needed. In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS welcomes Emmy Award-nominated journalist and author Rebecca Medina Stewart, whose devotional book SEEN: Experiencing God’s Tenderness After Trauma offers survivors of sexual assault, grief, depression, and addiction a...
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Ep. 64 - Dr. Corey Keyes on Languishing, Flourishing, and the Mental Health Continuum: Redefining What It Means to Be Mentally Well
The Holistic Counselor
In this powerful conversation, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, sits down with renowned sociologist and author Dr. Corey Keyes — the pioneer who coined the term languishing. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the fog between burnout and depression but weren’t sure how to name it, this episode is a must-listen. Dr. Keyes unpacks the groundbreaking Mental Health Continuum model and the five daily “vitamins” of flourishing — evidence-based habits that promote resilience, emotional healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. Diana and Dr. Keyes dive into the role...
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Ep. 63 - Why You Crave Junk Food When You're Stressed: The Gut-Brain Link Behind Anxiety & Emotional Eating with Sarah Weiss, RD, LDN, IFNCP
The Holistic Counselor
Welcome back, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made friend! In this powerful episode, I sit down with functional dietitian Sarah Weiss, founder of Weiss Choices, to explore the often-overlooked connection between food, mood, and emotional well-being. Sarah shares her personal journey of emotional eating, healing her gut, and leaving behind a high-stress career as a stockbroker to help others reclaim their health through functional nutrition. We break down the gut-brain axis, emotional eating cycles, blood sugar crashes, and the inflammation-anxiety link—plus share real-life...
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Ep. 62 - Breaking the Silence: Healing Porn Addiction, Shame, and Identity Loss in High-Functioning Men with Daniel Rubin, LMHC
The Holistic Counselor
In this powerful episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, sits down with Daniel Rubin, LMHC, LPC, founder of Transcend Wellness IOP, for an unfiltered and deeply healing conversation about men’s mental health, emotional isolation, porn addiction recovery, and the impact of unresolved trauma. We explore the hidden struggles of high-performing men who silently carry shame, spiritual confusion, and emotional neglect. This episode is a call to wholeness, vulnerability, and kingdom-centered healing. Key Topics We Cover: The...
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Ep. 61 - Overcoming Fear of Success, Burnout, and Money Mindset Blocks as a Faith-Based Therapist or Coach with Laura Long, LMFT, MBA
The Holistic Counselor
In today's soul-stirring episode of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, host Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP, CTP, QS, sits down with her business coach, the dynamic Laura Long, LMFT, MBA. Together, they dive deep into topics that most entrepreneurs quietly wrestle with: the fear of success, financial mindset struggles (especially for faith-filled women), burnout recovery, and what it really takes to sustain a practice without losing your mind—or your mission. You'll hear raw truths, lots of laughter (and maybe a tear or two), and real-life tools you can start using today. Whether...
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Ep. 60 - Healing Trauma at the Root: EMDR, Addiction, and Shame with Brian Gong, LMHC
The Holistic Counselor
In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Diana welcomes Brian Gong, LMHC, EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and co-owner of Mangrove Therapy Group, to explore how trauma, shame, and addiction are intricately linked—and how EMDR therapy offers a pathway to healing for even the deepest wounds. Diana first heard Brian speak at the NSU/MSD Strong event in 2020—two years after the tragic Parkland shooting—and was so impacted by what he shared that she began her own EMDR journey. In this conversation, they dive into: The science and soul of EMDR therapy ...
info_outlineWhat does it really mean to be “on the spectrum”—and why are so many adults just now getting diagnosed?
In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Diana sits down with Dr. Benson Fox, Psy.D., an Orthodox Jewish psychologist, school counselor, professor, and group leader of Adulting on the Spectrum, to explore the truths, myths, and real-life challenges of navigating adult life as a neurodivergent person.
They unpack the confusion around late diagnoses, the overlap with trauma, and how stigma shows up—especially in faith-based, immigrant, and culturally diverse communities. This is an honest conversation for parents, professionals, or anyone who’s ever wondered, “Do I fit this spectrum—and what now?”
What You’ll Learn
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What autism spectrum disorder really is (and isn’t)
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How to tell the difference between quirks, trauma, and ASD
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The truth about overdiagnosis and one-session labels
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Why many adults in minority and religious communities are misdiagnosed or missed
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How faith can be a source of resilience—or confusion—in neurodivergent care
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Practical tips for families navigating school IEPs and services
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What HCBS (Home and Community-Based Services) actually provides
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Why diagnoses are not for life—and why reevaluation matters
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The problem with “high vs. low functioning” labels in the DSM
Mic Drop Quotes
“Diagnoses are not for life. Legally, most are only valid for three years—and yet people internalize them forever.” — Dr. Benson Fox
“Support shouldn’t be dependent on a label. Let’s treat the symptoms, not just diagnose the person.” — Dr. Benson Fox
“As a therapist, my job isn’t to impose faith—but ignoring someone’s spirituality can be a form of clinical neglect.” — Diana S. Rice
“You are the expert of your life. We’re just here to walk with you for part of the journey.” — Dr. Benson Fox
“We are biology, psychology, and theology—a biopsychotheo being. And healing has to touch all three.” — Diana S. Rice
Resources Mentioned
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Dr. Benson Fox’s website: www.drbensonfox.com
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Apple Psychological (Dr. Fox’s group practice): www.applepsychological.com
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Florida Autism Resources:
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Florida DOH: Bright Expectations Autism Support
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Autism Speaks: www.autismspeaks.org
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Autism Florida – Adulthood Resources: www.autismfl.org/adulthood
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Palm Beach Autism Club: www.palmbeachautismclub.com
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HCBS Providers (New York Examples):
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Check your local college or university counseling center for social skills groups and accommodations
Stay Connected with Diana
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Instagram – The Holistic Counselor Podcast: @theholisticcounselorpodcast
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Instagram – Through the Valley Therapy: @throughthevalleytherapy
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Instagram – Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching: @transformedmindcc
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Website – Therapy: www.throughthevalleytherapy.
com -
Website – Consulting & Coaching: www.transformedmindcc.com
Final Reminder
Trust in the Lord. Guard your heart. Renew your mind.
Share this episode with someone who needs clarity, community, or just a little bit of hope.