Success is Subjective: Real People. Raw Stories. Embracing a Non-Linear Life!

Growing up in a figurative fish bowl in a small town in Texas, Chelsea Reeves had no idea what the world had in store for her beyond a bubble-wrapped life of what she describes as privilege. By the time she got to college, it didn’t take long before Chelsea realized the world she grew up in was much different than what her peers and others around her had experienced. With undiagnosed learning disabilities and a back injury that took her out of sports, Chelsea found herself spiraling during her senior year. As her life bottomed out, she began wrestling with big life questions and a demolished sense of identity. Her tenacious commitment to recovery and healing paid off as she finally uncovered her calling, after unhooking herself from the pressure of being what she thought she should be. Today, Chelsea sits down with Joanna to share how she overcame much difficulty and what she is now doing today to help others who struggle in ways that she herself used to. Tune in for an inspiring and hope-filled message. Chelsea’s Resources:@Theresurfacegroup @chelsea_lmft https://www.resurfacegroup.com/Connect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #YoungAdults #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #StudentMentalHealth #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #PainRelief #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #SelfEsteem

On this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna brings you another story from our special former participant series where she extends the opportunity for the former participants who feel comfortable, to share their journey with others. Today’s former participant is Fred Palmer. Fred is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and certified recovery coach, who also works as a career educator at Colorado State University. While he’s found stability in his life and is using his education and personal strengths to now help others, it took many years of his own treatment journey to arrive where he is today. As a young adult, Fred decided to take a gap year before attending college. Once enrolled and attending CU Boulder, it was only a matter of weeks before fear of failure along with underlying mental health issues, caused Fred to drop out of school and move back in with his parents. From then on, the war for his sobriety was in full force. Going back and forth from treatment center to treatment center, he finally admitted to himself that there was a part of him that didn’t want recovery. Tune in to hear the key pivotal moments that led to Fred’s sobriety, as well as his encouragement to those who have been sober but later found themselves relapsing. NOTE: The podcasts in this series can include sensitive subjects such as suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, hospitalizations, psychotic episodes, and other traumatic experiences which include parts of the treatment journey. No topic is off limits and not all stories are positive but they are real, raw, and transparent.**Listener discretion is advised**Fred’s Resources:Fred PalmerAddiction Treatment of Maryland Foundation HouseThe Strathmore House Outward BoundSMART RecoveryConnect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #YoungAdults #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #StudentMentalHealth #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #PainRelief #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney

On this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna brings you another story from our special former participant series where she extends the opportunity for former participants who feel comfortable sharing their journey with others. Today’s former participant is Bryan Fikes. His start to life was what most would consider an American “ideal” upbringing. Attending a private school and having healthy relationships with family and friends, as well as being a strong athlete, Bryan appreciated his early experiences. But by 6th grade, a major transition took place in his life. It wasn’t long after that when Bryan found himself becoming a 180 version of who he was before. Addiction set in as he wound up on a dangerous road of uncertainty. Byan shares with listeners how he ended up in such a dark place, and the work he had to commit to in order to find sobriety and stability. He also leaves listeners with a hopeful message about how his transformed life has made it possible for him to support others on their own journeys, and offers advice specifically for parents. NOTE: The podcasts in this series can include sensitive subjects such as suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, hospitalizations, psychotic episodes, and other traumatic experiences which include parts of the treatment journey. No topic is off limits and not all stories are positive but they are real, raw, and transparent.**Listener discretion is advised** Bryan’s Resources:Stonewater Adolescent Recovery CenterConnect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #YoungAdults #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #StudentMentalHealth #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #PainRelief #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney 

Having one’s identity tied to an external source or outcome such as a job or physical skill can prove to be detrimental. Joe Fuller, today’s Success is Subjective guest, knows this plight firsthand. A highly driven child, Joe had his mind made up to become a professional baseball player. Not only did he have the passion for it, he had the discipline and raw talent that may have taken him all the way to the big leagues. That pictured future was obliterated when unforeseen life circumstances would erase any possibility of going pro. With his identity as a baseball player abruptly stripped away, Joe spiraled into years of identity seeking and pain numbing behaviors. Today, he shares with Joanna and listeners that while his life had many less than favorable detours, he wouldn’t trade any of his past because it’s what brought him to where he is today – a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with his own private counseling practice. Joe shares his gratitude and zeal for the work he does today, as he helps others cultivate a sense of identity in who they are, rather than what they do. This episode is heartfelt and down to earth, making it relatable for any listener and one that you don’t want to miss. Joe’s Resources:Rhythm in Harmony CounselingIgnite AdulthoodConnect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #YoungAdults #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #StudentMentalHealth #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #PainRelief #Addiction #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney

Today’s episode of Success is Subjective features a conversation between Joanna and Steve Roth. Steve is a licensed clinical social worker, and the Executive Director of The Arise Society – a transition center that supports young adults with digital addictions, mental health challenges, and those who struggle with motivation. While college wasn’t optional in Steve’s family system, he personally was very eager to begin his post-secondary education upon highschool graduation. With an inclination towards psychology, he set out with a game plan in mind and pursued his undergrad at Plattsburgh State University of New York. Steve’s journey to where he is now was anything but cut and dry — taking him on a global pursuit of self discovery and personal development. While he is passionate about his wife, friends, career and those he is able to help, Steve encourages listeners to lean into moments of discomfort - the seasons in life where nothing is as hoped for -  because it’s both the good and bad experiences that ultimately lead each individual to where they need to be.Steve’s Resources:The Arise SocietyConnect with Joanna Lilley  ALT Fair 2025Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #YoungAdults #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #StudentMentalHealth #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #TheAriseSociety 

For many people, it takes trying new things and experiencing different opportunities to discover one’s true passion. Sometimes, it’s the mini-interests that lead us to the ultimate one – the passion we will embrace for many years to come. That was the case for today’s Success is Subjective guest, Daryn Reiner. While Daryn is settled into her role in the mental health field, and as a mom to a child with special needs, it took many pursuits to arrive where she is now. Coming from a family where she, as a child, was indirectly positioned as more of an adult, Daryn’s perception of herself as a responsible, stable, problem-solver was just one aspect of who she was. After many exciting adventures overseas, Daryn credits her service in the Navy as the first opportunity in her life that revealed to her the depth of her personality, giftings and strengths. To her astonishment, Daryn was pleased to discover that not only was she a logical thinker, she also had a deeply creative side. With many developed skill sets and her new found revelation, Daryn took the culmination of all she was and all she had done and pursued a career in the mental health field. Tune in to hear how Daryn utilized every building block of her life to establish the foundation of who she is and for you to be reminded that no effort is wasted; every opportunity can be a gift to learn to grow and learn. Daryn’s Resources:Email: dreiner@uintaacademy.comConnect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #YoungAdults #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #StudentMentalHealth #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo

Many high school students feel pressured by friends and relatives to attend college upon graduation. Interestingly, today’s guest had the complete opposite experience. For Darla Beam, college was overtly out of the question as it wasn’t something her parents could afford. After exploring one coast to the other, becoming a caretaker for a loved one and everything in between, Darla slowly started identifying her own strengths. She began to realize how much she loved people – more specifically: how she loved being present with them. Being with them in the good times and bad, helping them stir up a vision for what their life could look like and identifying their own goals… this was what Darla knew she was made for. With that, she became a conscious life and leadership coach, who works with people to help them identify and remove barriers that are in the way of becoming all they want to be. This noteworthy episode is inspiring, uplifting, and sure to spark hope in your heart with the realization that it’s never too late to make a change or become who you know you were meant to be. Darla’s Resources:Darla BeamFacebook: DB Leadership & Coaching Instagram: @darlabeamcoaching YouTube: Darla BeamEmail: darlabeam@icloud.comBook: Chasing Daylight Book: The Power of Now Connect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #YoungAdults #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #StudentMentalHealth #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #DarlaBeam #DarlaBeamCoaching #LifeCoach #LeadershipCoach #CreateYourReality #BePresent

On this episode of Success is Subjective, Joanna brings you another story from our special former participant series where she extends the opportunity for former participants who feel comfortable sharing their journey with others. Viviana is today’s former participant and she comes with a story of transparency. Sharing what it was like as a teen in foster care, to being in an inpatient facility for three years before being thrust into college, Viviana is here to share the good, bad, and ugly of her story in hopes that it might provide a sense of comfort and understanding for others who may have been or are currently in similar situations. After years of reflection on those mostly negative experiences in her life, Viviana has had time to process and make sense of all the chaos. With hindsight perspective, she shares incredibly wise and thoughtful advice for anyone who is interested in pursuing college immediately after treatment. NOTE: The podcasts in this series can include sensitive subjects such as suicide, self-harm, substance abuse, hospitalizations, psychotic episodes, and other traumatic experiences which include parts of the treatment journey. No topic is off limits and not all stories are positive but they are real, raw, and transparent.**Listener discretion is advised** Viviana’s Resources:Third Way CenterConnect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #YoungAdults #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #StudentMentalHealth #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #FosterCare #FosterCareSystem #TreatmentCenter #College #CollegeStudent #CollegeBound #StudentSuccess 

It’s not uncommon for someone to set out on a path they really believe in, or pursue the path that grueling years of hard work earned them a degree in. It’s also not out of the ordinary for a certain eye-opening life experience to cause an individual to want to change course in pursuit of a different passion, lifestyle or outcome. That was the case for today’s Success is Subjective guest, John Morris. After undergraduate studies at Ohio Wesleyan University and completing his MBA from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business, John felt pretty confident of the future that was unfolding in front of him. After a successful eight year career as a market maker, trading options on the floor of the Philadelphia Eagle stock exchange, John had a personal experience which propelled him onto a completely different path altogether. Lean in is as he shares what that defining experience was, and how he is now using it to help dozens of individuals all across America. John’s Resources:Reach AftercareReach NeurofeedbackConnect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #YoungAdults #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #StudentMentalHealth #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #SobrietyRocks #SoberLiving #Intervention #Neurofeedback #SobrietyJourney #AddictionRecovery #AddictionAwareness

Today’s episode of Success is Subjective comes from the heart, lived experience and professional background of Scot Marken. Scot Marken is the founder and CEO of EdRedefined – a national educational consulting firm with the purpose of helping those with mental health struggles and disabilities to thrive in their education and pursue their dreams. Deeply involved with mental health nonprofits for over 20 years, Scot is an esteemed expert in his field of work. While he has many accomplishments under his belt such as: being featured in World Report, The Wall Street Journal and others; to serving as the Maryland representative to the board of ANCHOR; and raising over $30 million in grants and scholarships for the demographic he supports, at the end of the day, Scot is a man with a huge heart to help serve those around him. Having a son with disabilities has made the goal of raising awareness and support for these individuals that much more solidified in his mind. Scot passionately shares the many ways that EdRedefined helps individuals, as well as boosting the global conversation on mental health and disabilities in hopes of breaking through stigma and creating more awareness and better support for those in need. Scot is a wealth of knowledge and resources who can help you or your student, so tune in for this episode that you don’t want to miss. Scot’s Resources:EdRedefinedConnect with Joanna Lilley  Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #YoungAdults #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #StudentMentalHealth #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #EdRedefined #ScotMarken #CollegeAccommodations #LearningDisabilities #LearningDifferences #Autism #ADHD #MentalHealthStigma