
Episode 78:
More men than ever are stepping into therapy—challenging outdated stigmas and discovering strength in vulnerability. In this remixed episode, we revisit our original conversation about men’s experiences in therapy, and add a powerful new “In Your Voice” segment from Daniel, who reflects on how therapy supported his journey from adolescence into adulthood.
Guest Host Lisa Herendeen, LMFT guides the conversation with guests Joey Fino and Mark Vanderhoof. Outdoorsman Joey once believed therapy wasn’t for him—until a serious health crisis shifted his perspective. Mark shares how couples therapy helped repair his marriage and opened the door to greater emotional awareness. Rounding out the conversation is psychotherapist Tim Hartnett, PhD, who explores how traditional masculinity norms shape men’s emotional development—and how therapy can help foster deeper relationships and a more fulfilling life.
Join us for a rich and honest conversation about what it means for men to seek support and embrace the healing process.
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Broadcasts; 5/4/25 & 5/12/25
Producer: Debra Sloss, LMFT
Guest Host: Lisa Herendeen, LMFT
Guests: Joey Fino, Mark Vanderhoof & Tim Hartnett, PhD
SPECIAL THANKS to VJ Lukka and Jeanne Baldzikowski for audio production, Youssef Hassanein for audio production and volunteer coordination, Patrice Vecchione for story coaching, Lisa Herendeen for research, Leslie Nielsen for community outreach, Ranton Hui and Roni Wong for transcriptions, Nimalan Elanchelvan for marketing, and Priscilla Yee for graphic design. Special thanks to musician Adrian Legg and Favored Nations Entertainment for our theme music.
ABOUT STATE OF MIND
STATE of MIND is a radio show and podcast hosted by psychotherapist Debra Sloss. Through intimate conversations, we delve into mental health and wellness topics, blending personal stories from guests with lived experience and insights from experts in the field. Together, we navigate the complexities of being human and living well. Find inspiration, resources, and hope at STATE of MIND, www.stateofmindmedia.org. Produced by Debra Sloss with support from KSQD Community Radio.
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In Your Voice are short segments on the show where a listener gets to share their experience of the topic we are discussing. You can call us at 831- 824-4324 and leave a 1-3 minute message about: a mental health experience you’ve had, something that has contributed to your mental health recovery journey, or share a resource that has helped you. Alternatively, you can make a 1-3 minute audio recording right on your phone and email that file to debra.stateofmind@ksqd.org. Your voice may just become part of one of our future shows!
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RESOURCES
*Indicates a Monterey Bay Area Resource
General Therapy
- *Shine a Light Counseling Center – Offers affordable, quality individual, couples, family, and group therapy—including men’s groups—in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, and Monterey.
📞 831-996-1222 - *Family Service Agency (FSA) of the Central Coast – A long-time State of Mind underwriter, FSA offers low-cost and Medi-Cal/Medicare therapy for all ages and backgrounds, including sliding-scale options. Offices in Santa Cruz and Soquel.
📞 Santa Cruz: 831-423-9444 x200 | Soquel: 831-346-6767 x200
Support Groups
- *Monterey Bay Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families (ACA) – Local meetings and support for individuals from dysfunctional or alcoholic homes.
- Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization – International 12-step recovery program for adult children of alcoholics and dysfunctional families.
📧 information@acawso.com | 📞 310-534-1815
🔗 The Laundry List – 14 Traits of an Adult Child - Al-Anon Family Groups – Support for families and friends of alcoholics. Al-Anon promotes recovery through shared experience and the Twelve Steps.
🔗 Local Meetings – Santa Cruz & San Benito Counties - NorCal CoDA – Resources and online meetings for Codependents Anonymous in Northern California.
- *MENtors – Local programs offering guidance, support, and coaching for boys, men, and fathers to build emotional resilience and healthy relationships.
Joey’s Recommendations
- California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) Counseling & Acupuncture Clinics – Low-cost therapy and acupuncture in San Francisco. Especially useful for those without insurance.
- Wim Hof Method – Breathing Exercises – Tools to support mental and physical resilience.
🔗 Wim Hof Method Website - Podcast: “The Effect of Sauna on Depression and Mood” – Found My Fitness with Rhonda Patrick. Posted August 12, 2020.
🔗 Found My Fitness
Mark’s Recommendations
- I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression by Terrence Real – A foundational book that destigmatizes male depression and promotes emotional healing.
- Altogether You by Jenna Riemersma – Introduces Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy with a faith-based lens, helping readers explore emotional stuck points.
- A Practicum Immanuel by Patricia A. Velotta – A guide to healing trauma through the Immanuel prayer process by Dr. Karl Lehmann.
*Indicates a Monterey Bay Area Resource