FIAT Health Podcast

What really happens in a counseling session, and how do you know if something you lived through was trauma? In this episode, Caroline is joined by Grace Tierney to talk about what counseling actually looks like. They walk through how counseling differs for kids and adults, how EMDR works step by step, and why your emotions aren't something to fear. Grace also shares how she brings faith into trauma treatment and how she helps parents read what their child's behavior is saying.   Interested in learning more? Grace has openings for new clients! Call 629-252-7880 or visit fiathealth.org to make an appointment.   Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.   Key Takeaways: A Child's Behavior is A Language - When kids come to counseling for a behavior problem, we look at what the behavior is communicating rather than only how to make it stop. Sometimes the fix is simpler than expected.  Trauma Treatment Doesn't Make the Bad Thing Not Bad - Trauma is shaped by what an experience led you to believe about yourself, which is why two people can live through the same thing differently. Healing, including through EMDR, doesn't deny what happened. It adds what is also true, like the Lord's presence, so the memory stops feeling like it's happening now. Your Emotions Aren't the Enemy - Many Clients fear their emotions and turn on themselves when they feel angry or sad. Anger points to what you are passionate about and sadness to what you value. Having these emotions is healthy.   Timestamps: 00:00 Why we have emotions 00:26 Welcome, Grace 01:14 Life at Fiat: relational, not transactional 03:21 Counseling kids vs. adults 06:51 The miracle question 08:01 When you don't know it was trauma 10:10 When it's medical too: labs and counseling together 11:38 Complex trauma and "if it's hysterical, it's historical" 13:41 Faith, trauma and hope 16:38 How EMDR works 20:34 Client wins 21:46 Fear of emotions, and turning on ourselves 24:38 Emotion education for kids, parents and adults 28:19 Wrap-up To learn more visit fiathealth.org Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In this episode, Caroline is joined by Sarah Nehring, a women's health nurse practitioner at Fiat, to talk about women's health, especially infertility. Sarah shares how her training shaped her understanding of women's health and why she believes women deserve more thorough, individualized care. They discuss some of the common barriers to fertility, from hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance to endometriosis, and how looking deeper can uncover the root cause of infertility. If you are struggling with infertility, feel like something is wrong but can't figure it out, or are trying to conceive for the first time, we want to offer you hope.   Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.   Key Takeaways: Finding the Root Cause - Some women continue to struggle with infertility despite being told their labs are "normal". At Fiat, we believe your "normal" may be different from someone else's "normal." We take labs at multiple points during your cycle, evaluate potential other factors such as thyroid function or insulin resistance, and get to know you individually so that we can find what actually is causing the infertility. A Personalized Approach to Infertility - Not every fertility journey looks the same. Care can range from nutrition and lifestyle changes to medication and hormone support, depending on a woman's circumstances and goals. Fiat's Collaborative Team - Fiat's women's health providers bring different training and perspectives to patient care. Together they discuss cases, learn from one another, and work together to find the best approach for each patient.   Resources Mentioned: Endometriosis Episode Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:12 Why Sarah is Passionate About Women's Health 04:32 Sarah's Training and Background 09:18 Fiat's Approach to Women's Health 13:05 The Different Approaches to Infertility 17:34 What Do We Look for in Labs? 26:13 Aggressive Treatment Options   29:41 How Ultrasounds Can Help 33:06 Other Medications to Support You 34:26 Fiat Women's Health Team To learn more visit fiathealth.org Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

For the first time ever, in this episode, Caroline is joined by Shelby, a patient of Fiat and mother of two, to talk about her journey to finding a healthcare provider she could trust. Shelby shares how becoming a mom led her to ask more questions about her children's healthcare. She quickly found that many providers simply didn't have the time to individualize their care. After trying several different practices, she eventually found Fiat. Shelby also shares about her daughter's febrile seizures and how Fiat supported her through both the medical and emotional challenges. If you've ever wondered if direct primary care is for you, this episode offers a firsthand look at Fiat through the testimony of a real patient and an honest glimpse into what the direct primary care model can look like for a family.   Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.   Key Takeaways: Finding a Healthcare Team - Shelby shares her journey through several pediatric practices as she searched for a provider who would welcome her questions and partner with her in making decisions for her children. Finding a healthcare team that aligns with your values and wants you to ask questions is a game changer - especially as a new mom. Becoming Proactive - Fiat has helped Shelby become more proactive (rather than reactive) in caring for her family. The direct-care model allows providers more time and space to discuss different treatment options and consider the whole picture.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:05 Shelby's Journey to Fiat 12:40 More Individualized Care 17:26 Cash Based Healthcare 27:36 The Small and Big Benefits of Fiat 41:59 Finding Your Healthcare Team   To learn more visit fiathealth.org Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In this episode, Caroline is joined by Dr. Stephen Elliott, a family physician who has spent the last 18 years practicing functional medicine and recently joined the Fiat team! Dr. Elliott shares what led him to question the way chronic and complex conditions were being treated conventionally and how his search for root causes drew him into functional medicine. They also discuss the interconnectedness of the body, the limitations of treating individual systems in isolation, and why functional medicine can be especially helpful for patients who have struggled to find answers through conventional care.  Dr. Elliott will be seeing patients remotely and is certified in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Indiana. Visit our website or give us a call (629-252-7880) for more information! Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.   Key Takeaways: Looking at the Whole Person - Dr. Elliott explains how the body's systems are interconnected and why chronic, complex conditions can require looking beyond a single specialty or organ system. He shares how functional medicine seeks to investigate potential root causes rather than simply managing symptoms. The Gut-Brain Connection - Gut health can affect cognitive and emotional health through the microbiome, inflammation, and the body's ability to digest and absorb nutrients. Certain bacteria can support health, while overgrowth of other bacteria may contribute to immune and neurocognitive disruption, making a thorough understanding of gut health an important part of addressing complex conditions. A Collaborative Approach to Care - Functional medicine requires more than testing and treatment recommendations—it asks patients and families to actively participate in the process. Dr. Elliott and Caroline discuss the importance of being willing to make changes in nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle while recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to complex health concerns.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:25 Dr. Elliott's Journey to Medicine 04:49 Discovering Functional Medicine 8:26 Authentic Functional Medicine 12:59 Finding His Ideal Patients 16:38 Pediatric Special Needs 20:22 The Gut-Brain Connection   To learn more visit fiathealth.org Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In this episode, Caroline sits down with Emily O'Connor, PA, to talk about the opening of Fiat's first satellite location in Knoxville, Tennessee! Emily shares the story behind her call to medicine, why she is passionate about women's health, and how she decided to partner with Caroline to manage a second clinic. Caroline and Emily's stories both show that the Lord opens doors in His own time and that through trusting Him, we can prepare for what He is calling us to even when we cannot yet see where that preparation will lead.  Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.   Key Takeaways: Discovering Restorative Reproductive Medicine: Emily first encountered restorative reproductive medicine during her OBGYN rotation in PA school and was struck by its emphasis on listening to women, uncovering root causes, and caring for the whole person. Seeing women's emotional, spiritual, and physical health addressed together convinced her that this was the kind of medicine she wanted to practice. Preparing for a Future She Couldn't Yet See: Even while working toward her PA degree, Emily sensed that she might one day be called to open a clinic and pursued an MBA to equip herself for that possibility. She trusted that the Lord might open that door immediately or years down the road, and chose to prepare without knowing when the opportunity would come. Building Fiat Knoxville: Emily's vision is to begin with offering women's health services and eventually grow the Knoxville location to include primary care, mental health, and more. At the heart of that vision is a desire to create a place where women and families receive exceptional care and where providers can practice medicine in a way that allows them to care deeply for their patients.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:41 What Brought You Into Medicine? 06:05 Opening A New Clinic 10:16 How Emily Found Fiat 13:54 Visiting Fiat 16:00 The Vision for Knoxville To learn more visit fiathealth.org Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

Endometriosis affects millions of women, yet it often goes undiagnosed for years, leaving women to suffer with pain, infertility, and other symptoms without understanding why. In this episode, Caroline and Amanda take a closer look at what endometriosis actually is, why it can affect more than just your reproductive system, and the wide range of symptoms that can point to a diagnosis. They also discuss what diagnostic laparoscopy is, the role of nutrition in reducing inflammation, and their desire to help restore your body to what God created it to be. Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.   Key Takeaways: Understanding Endometriosis - Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease in which endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus and responds to hormonal changes. Because it can occur throughout the body, symptoms can range from pelvic pain and painful periods to bowel and bladder issues, chest pain, fatigue, and infertility. Diagnosing Endometriosis - Endometriosis is frequently underdiagnosed, with many women experiencing symptoms for years before receiving an explanation. Painful periods and unexplained infertility should not simply be dismissed and Amanda explains why laparoscopy remains the gold-standard method of diagnosis. Treating Endometriosis - Surgery can remove endometriosis lesions but it matters which surgeon you choose, especially when the goal is to preserve or restore natural fertility. Nutrition, pelvic floor therapy, mental health support, and targeted medical treatments also play important roles before and after surgery.   Resources Mentioned: Restore Anti-Inflammatory Elimination Diet Nutritionist Referrals (VN Nutrition) or (The Women's Health RN) NaPro for Endometriosis  Dietary Supplements for Treatment of Endometriosis Efficacy of N-Acetylcysteine on Endometriosis Related Pain Observational and Genetic Analyses of Traumatic Experiences and Endometriosis    Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Endometriosis 04:26 Symptoms of Endometriosis 08:28 What Causes Endometriosis? 12:31 Diagnosing Endometriosis 14:54 What is Laparoscopy? 16:15 Not All Surgeons are Equal 19:55 Other Ways to Treat Endometriosis 23:33 Endometriosis Recurrence After Surgery 26:05 Nutrition Best Practices 28:41 Restorative Reproductive Medicine   To learn more visit fiathealth.org Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

In this episode, Lucy is joined by Fiat's newest counselor, Grace Tierney to share her story, her heart for counseling, and how she approaches therapy with both children and adults. Grace shares her passion for helping those with anxiety, experience an eating disorder, have suffered from a traumatic experience, or would like to learn how to communicate better with family members. Lucy and Grace also explore what truly integrative care looks like at Fiat and why collaboration between counseling and medical providers can make such a difference in patients' lives. Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.   Key Takeaways: Working with Both Children and Adults - Grace explains why she enjoys counseling clients of all ages and how each population allows her to use different therapeutic skills. She discusses the creativity involved in working with children, the importance of involving parents, and the opportunity adults have to see meaningful progress toward their goals. An Integrative Approach to Healing - Grace describes her counseling philosophy, beginning with practical tools to reduce immediate distress before exploring deeper patterns through cognitive behavioral therapy and family systems work. She emphasizes that lasting healing often comes from understanding not only individual struggles but also the relationships and environments that shape them. Faith and Whole-Person Care - Lucy and Grace discuss what makes counseling at Fiat unique through its integration of physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Grace explains how faith can become a source of truth, hope, and healing within therapy while always allowing clients to determine how explicitly they wish to incorporate it into their sessions.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introducing Grace 05:16 Grace's Background 07:28 Working with Kids and Adults 11:09 Common Client Concerns 12:45 Grace's Approach to Counseling 15:23 The Difference Between Counseling Kids and Adults 18:13 Integrative Care at Fiat 20:22 Integrating Faith in Counseling To learn more visit fiathealth.org Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

Peptides have quickly become one of the most talked about topics in healthcare, but what are they and why is there so much confusion surrounding them? In this episode, Caroline and Dr. Ed explain what peptides are, how they function as the body's natural signaling molecules, and why upcoming regulatory changes could dramatically expand access to peptide therapies. They also share details about the seven peptides under review and the conditions they may help address, including tissue repair, gut healing, sleep, metabolic health, and cognitive function.  Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.   Key Takeaways: What Are Peptides? - Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as powerful signaling molecules throughout the body, directing processes like tissue repair, metabolism, and healing. Why Regulations Matter - Recent regulatory changes could allow seven peptides to be compounded through licensed pharmacies, making them more accessible while ensuring quality. This shift may reduce reliance on the unregulated gray market, where product purity and safety are often uncertain. A Tool, Not A Shortcut - At Fiat, we believe peptides should not replace healthy nutrition or lifestyle changes. Instead, they are another therapeutic option that can be used thoughtfully for the right patient at the right time within a holistic treatment plan.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:21 What Are Peptides? 04:47 Why Are Peptides Trending? 09:28 The Seven Peptides Being Reviewed 16:00 Will You Need to Take Peptides Forever? 20:16 What Are the Risks? 23:25 Who Are Good Candidates for Peptides? 25:56 How Will Fiat Use Peptides? To learn more visit fiathealth.org Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

Infertility can feel overwhelming, especially when you've been told there are no answers or that your only option is IVF. In this episode, Caroline and Amanda explore how restorative reproductive medicine takes a different approach—looking for the root causes of infertility and creating individualized treatment plans that support the whole person. They discuss everything from cycle tracking, lab work, and follicular ultrasounds to common diagnoses like endometriosis, PCOS, and thyroid dysfunction. You'll also hear why there is no such thing as "unexplained infertility," how pregnancy management can make all the difference after a positive test, and why understanding your body is valuable regardless of the outcome. If you're struggling to conceive, navigating miscarriage, or simply wanting to understand your reproductive health more deeply, this conversation offers both practical insight and genuine hope. Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.   Key Takeaways: There is No Such Thing as Unexplained Infertility - Restorative reproductive medicine operates from the belief that infertility always has an underlying cause, even if it hasn't been discovered yet. Through detailed lab work, cycle tracking, and individualized assessments, providers can often uncover conditions that traditional evaluations miss. A Stepwise Approach to Fertility - Neofertility uses a structured process that begins with assessment and preparation before moving into targeted interventions and conception support. By carefully monitoring each cycle, treatments can be adjusted in real time to give couples the best opportunity for success. Healing Goes Beyond Pregnancy - Even when pregnancy doesn't occur, restorative reproductive medicine helps women better understand their bodies and improve their overall health. Addressing root causes like endometriosis, thyroid dysfunction, and inflammation often leads to greater health, clarity, and hope for the future.   Resources Mentioned: All of Fiat's women's health practitioners have completed training in Neofertility. Click here to learn more about the training program!   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction  01:38 What is Infertility? 03:14 How Fiat Approaches Infertility 06:54 What Treatment Looks Like 13:24 Neofertility vs Mainstream Practices  15:33 Why Pregnancy Management is Important 22:08  What to Expect at Fiat 25:51 What Is Restorative Reproductive Medicine? To learn more visit fiathealth.org Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]

Attachment styles have become a popular topic in recent years, but what do they actually mean, and do they really matter? In this episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, Lucy and Travis discuss the foundations of attachment theory and explore how our earliest relationships shape the way we connect with others, ourselves, and even God. Your attachment style is not set in stone, healing occurs through healthy relationships and even when there is a rupture, the repair matters more. Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.   Key Takeaways:  The Four Attachment Styles: Attachment theory identifies four primary styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized attachment. These patterns develop through early relational experiences and influence how we seek connection, safety, and support throughout life.  Attachment Patterns Can Change: While attachment styles are often rooted in childhood experiences, they are not permanent or fixed. Through self-awareness, therapy, and healthy relationships, people can develop greater security and experience meaningful relational healing. The Power of Repair Over Perfection: Secure attachment is not created by perfect parenting or flawless relationships. Instead, healing and security grow when moments of disconnection are acknowledged and repaired with consistency, presence, and care. Attachment and Our Relationship with God: The way we experience human relationships often shapes how we perceive God's love and presence. Understanding attachment patterns can provide valuable insight into our spiritual life and help us grow in trust, intimacy, and security with Him.   Resources Mentioned: Attachment Style Quiz (or this one) Healing Your Attachment Style by Edward Martin Attached: Learning Your Attachment Style by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller Restore the Glory Podcast The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast Catholic in Recovery Family Life, Attachment Styles, and Finding Security in God with Dr. Matthew Breuninger    Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction  03:12 The Four Basic Attachment Styles 07:03 How Childhood Affects Attachment Style 10:42 Are We Stuck with Our Attachment Style? 16:17 The Importance of Repair 21:18 Attachment Styles and Faith   To learn more visit fiathealth.org Don't be a stranger! Reach out, ask a question, or suggest a topic for a future episode by emailing us at [email protected]