Episode 6: Public Mental Health - Kev Kokoska on Foundations of Mental Wellbeing

Episode Summary

The Landscape of Mental Health:

• Inter (Across) vs. Intra (Within)
• Kev Kokoska introduces the podcast by highlighting the complexities of mental health, addressing both crisis intervention and personal growth aspects.

Pre-Therapy and Mental Health Education:

• Kev discusses the concept of "pre-therapy," emphasizing the need for accessible mental health education from an early age.
• Advocates for public mental health approaches and breaking down barriers to accessing mental health resources.
• Social Media the DSM for the public?

Challenges in Finding Suitable Therapy:

• The podcast explores the difficulties individuals face in finding appropriate therapy.
• Emphasis on streamlining mental health information for practical application.

Interdisciplinary and Holistic Approaches:

• Lexi Burt joins the conversation, advocating for an interdisciplinary approach to mental health.
• Discusses the roles of friends, family, and non-traditional resources in mental health support.

Agency in Mental Health:

• Kev stresses the importance of individual agency in mental health.
• Encourages active participation and involving trusted others in the mental health journey.
• All-hands-on-deck-approach to mental wellness.

Daily Practices and Holistic Well-being:

• The episode concludes with a focus on daily practices encompassing emotional experiences, symbolic representations, and sensory aspects.
• Promotes a holistic perspective to connect with personal mental health goals.

Innovative Approaches to Mental Health:

• Throughout the conversation, traditional therapeutic models are challenged.
• Promotion of a more inclusive, accessible, and empowering mental health landscape is explored.
• Everyday tools for mental health - exploring strategies and tools that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives for better mental well-being.

Guest Bio

💛 Instagram: @0ther____side

💛 TikTok: @0ther____side

💛 Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC1n2uMSt3DUCkxBLYhiAhhw

💛 Website: https://othersidehealth.com/

Kev Kokoska is a Psychotherapist & Interdisciplinary PhD Student. His clinical, creative, and academic work focuses on finding health in hard places. He works with incarcerated men through his private practice, Otherside Health, creates mixed media mental health content, and connects these processes through his interdisciplinary PhD studies at UBC. His last name means "broody hen".

Host Bio

💛 Instagram: questforwholenesspodcast

From a young age, Lexi Burt embodied qualities of being bossy, loud, and energetic. While not much has changed, she's learning to channel this spirited energy into more focused and appropriate areas. With a profound passion for holistic health, psychology, exercise, and nutrition, Lexi earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with Honours from Mount Royal University. A proud British Columbian, she finds solace and joy in nature through activities like camping, hiking, invigorating cold water swims, and her newfound love for outdoor rock climbing. Lexi holds a deep appreciation for concepts such as Hygge, the Blue Zones philosophy, and the overall tranquility of nature. Catch her outdoors, relishing moments with friends, family, her Corgi, and her lovely partner.

Credits

💛Intro music cred to @chrizpychriz <3

💛Braden and Troy at Amplifyou for supporting me in bringing this project into fruition, thank you guys.

Join us!

💛 Follow us on Instagram @questforwholenesspodcast

💛 Liked what you heard? Leave a review of iTunes! https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/introducing-a-quest-for-wholeness-with-lexi-burt/id1722325299?i=1000639248932

💛 Questions? Email me at lexirbut@gmail.com or DM me @questforwholenesspodcast