<![CDATA[The Counterstory Podcast]]>Whose stories get told—and whose stories get left out?

Welcome to The Counterstory Podcast , a podcast from the Counterstory Institute where we challenge dominant narratives, amplify voices too often pushed to the margins, and create space for stories that complicate what we think we know.

Hosted by Dr. Douglas Valdez and Dr. Lisa Belknap, Counterstory brings together conversations about identity, culture, mental health, education, community, healing, and social change. Through honest dialogue, lived experience, scholarship, and a little humor along the way, we explore the stories that shape how we understand ourselves, one another, and the world around us.

At the heart of the podcast is a simple idea: stories have power. They can reinforce the narratives we have inherited—or help us imagine something different.

Each episode invites guests and listeners to sit with complexity, learn from perspectives different from their own, and recognize the knowledge that exists within communities whose experiences have historically been overlooked or misunderstood.

This isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking better questions, listening differently, and making room for stories that deserve to be heard through the lens of counselors and counselor educators.

Your story matters. Your perspective matters. And sometimes, changing the story begins by creating a newone.

Welcome to The Counterstory Podcast.

]]>https://www.thecounterstoryinstitute.com/the-counterstory-institute-coming-soonRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sat, 14 Nov 2026 13:50:55 GMTThu, 01 Oct 2026 23:20:20 GMT60The Counterstory Podcast<p><b><strong>Whose stories get told—and whose stories get left out?</strong></b></p><p>Welcome to The Counterstory Podcast , a podcast from the Counterstory Institute where we challenge dominant narratives, amplify voices too often pushed to the margins, and create space for stories that complicate what we think we know.</p><p>Hosted by <b><strong>Dr. Douglas Valdez and Dr. Lisa Belknap</strong></b>, Counterstory brings together conversations about identity, culture, mental health, education, community, healing, and social change. Through honest dialogue, lived experience, scholarship, and a little humor along the way, we explore the stories that shape how we understand ourselves, one another, and the world around us.</p><p>At the heart of the podcast is a simple idea: <i><em>stories have power</em></i><b><strong>.</strong></b> They can reinforce the narratives we have inherited—or help us imagine something different.</p><p>Each episode invites guests and listeners to sit with complexity, learn from perspectives different from their own, and recognize the knowledge that exists within communities whose experiences have historically been overlooked or misunderstood.</p><p>This isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking better questions, listening differently, and making room for stories that deserve to be heard through the lens of counselors and counselor educators.</p><p><b><strong>Your story matters. Your perspective matters. And sometimes, changing the story begins by creating a newone.</strong></b></p><p>Welcome to The Counterstory Podcast.</p>episodicThe Counterstory Podcastdvaldez@curativohealth.comno<![CDATA[Introduction to Counselor Education and LADC w/Dr. Kristin Williams]]>In this episode of the CounterStory Podcast, Dr. Douglas Valdez and Dr. Lisa Belknap weclome Dr. Kristen Williams to explore the field of counselor education, particularly focusing on working with Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs). The conversation delves into the importance of addiction education, the integration of mental health and substance use, and the challenges and rewards faced by professionals in this field. The conversation explores the multifaceted nature of counseling in addiction treatment, emphasizing the integration of various counseling skills and the importance of addressing clients' basic needs. The speakers share insights on the challenges faced in treatment settings, the rewards of witnessing client transformations, and guidance for aspiring counselors on selecting educational programs.


Takeaways

  • Importance of addiction education
  • Value of experiential learning Integration of counseling skills
  • Importance of addressing basic needs


Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Counselor Education
  • 01:47 Journey into Counselor Education
  • 08:04 Navigating Substance Use Education
  • 11:31 Integrating Mental Health and Substance Use
  • 20:03 Preparing for a Career in Addiction Counseling
  • 24:46 Challenges and Rewards in Addiction Counseling
  • 27:54 Understanding Treatment Settings
  • 30:47 Crisis Intervention and Challenges
  • 33:32 Preparing for Addiction Work
  • 36:03 Rewards of Counseling Work
  • 39:33 Navigating Administrative Challenges
  • 43:45 Integrating Case Management
  • 50:10 Choosing the Right Educational Program
]]>2b739b52-bfae-43c0-b9cd-a0e80f2310baFri, 13 Nov 2026 18:14:39 GMT<p>In this episode of the CounterStory Podcast, Dr. Douglas Valdez and Dr. Lisa Belknap weclome Dr. Kristen Williams to explore the field of counselor education, particularly focusing on working with Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (LADCs). The conversation delves into the importance of addiction education, the integration of mental health and substance use, and the challenges and rewards faced by professionals in this field. The conversation explores the multifaceted nature of counseling in addiction treatment, emphasizing the integration of various counseling skills and the importance of addressing clients' basic needs. The speakers share insights on the challenges faced in treatment settings, the rewards of witnessing client transformations, and guidance for aspiring counselors on selecting educational programs.</p><p><br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Importance of addiction education</li><li>Value of experiential learning Integration of counseling skills</li><li>Importance of addressing basic needs</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Counselor Education</li><li>01:47 Journey into Counselor Education</li><li>08:04 Navigating Substance Use Education</li><li>11:31 Integrating Mental Health and Substance Use</li><li>20:03 Preparing for a Career in Addiction Counseling</li><li>24:46 Challenges and Rewards in Addiction Counseling</li><li>27:54 Understanding Treatment Settings</li><li>30:47 Crisis Intervention and Challenges</li><li>33:32 Preparing for Addiction Work</li><li>36:03 Rewards of Counseling Work</li><li>39:33 Navigating Administrative Challenges</li><li>43:45 Integrating Case Management</li><li>50:10 Choosing the Right Educational Program</li></ul>no00:52:2815Introduction to Counselor Education and LADC w/Dr. Kristin Williamsfull<![CDATA[Intersectional Identities and Academia Pt. 2]]>In this episode of the Counter Story Podcast, Dr. Douglas Valdez and Dr. Lisa Belknap delve into the complexities of intersectional identities within academia, focusing on the impact of microaggressions and institutional power dynamics. They discuss the importance of creating inclusive spaces, the challenges faced by marginalized individuals, and the need for accountability in academic institutions. The conversation explores the evolving nature of advocacy, resilience, and success in academia, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive spaces for students and challenging systemic issues. Both speakers reflect on their personal experiences and the need for self-awareness in advocacy efforts.

Takeaways

  • Intersectionality shapes academic experiences
  • Accountability is crucial in academia Evolving definitions of advocacy
  • Importance of inclusive educational spaces

Chapters

  • 00:00 Navigating Microaggressions and Power Dynamics
  • 05:28 Institutional Accountability and Individual Responsibility
  • 10:09 The Importance of Community and Belonging
  • 15:41 Self-Preservation vs. Advocacy
  • 21:19 Navigating Silence and Complicity
  • 23:04 Evolving Perspectives on Advocacy
  • 27:10 Redefining Success in Academia
  • 31:59 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Students
  • 35:51 Challenging Systemic Issues in Education
]]>86479fd5-1082-4c88-8ddd-77b78f8364ceSun, 08 Nov 2026 18:48:02 GMT<p>In this episode of the Counter Story Podcast, Dr. Douglas Valdez and Dr. Lisa Belknap delve into the complexities of intersectional identities within academia, focusing on the impact of microaggressions and institutional power dynamics. They discuss the importance of creating inclusive spaces, the challenges faced by marginalized individuals, and the need for accountability in academic institutions. The conversation explores the evolving nature of advocacy, resilience, and success in academia, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive spaces for students and challenging systemic issues. Both speakers reflect on their personal experiences and the need for self-awareness in advocacy efforts.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways </p><ul><li>Intersectionality shapes academic experiences</li><li>Accountability is crucial in academia Evolving definitions of advocacy</li><li>Importance of inclusive educational spaces</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters </p><ul><li>00:00 Navigating Microaggressions and Power Dynamics</li><li>05:28 Institutional Accountability and Individual Responsibility</li><li>10:09 The Importance of Community and Belonging</li><li>15:41 Self-Preservation vs. Advocacy</li><li>21:19 Navigating Silence and Complicity</li><li>23:04 Evolving Perspectives on Advocacy</li><li>27:10 Redefining Success in Academia</li><li>31:59 Creating Inclusive Spaces for Students</li><li>35:51 Challenging Systemic Issues in Education</li></ul>no00:39:5514Intersectional Identities and Academia Pt. 2full<![CDATA[Intersectional Identities and Academia Pt. 1]]>In this episode of the Counter Story Podcast, Dr. Douglas Valdez and Dr. Lisa Belknap discuss the complexities of intersectionality in academia, particularly focusing on the experiences of marginalized identities. They explore themes of authenticity, professionalism, credibility, and the challenges faced by individuals navigating these spaces.

Takeaways

  • Intersectionality shapes academic experiences
  • Authenticity is often compromised in academia

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
  • 01:34 Intersectionality in Academia
  • 04:11 Theories and Their Origins
  • 06:45 Authenticity and Professionalism
  • 10:22 Credibility and Recognition
  • 12:54 Imposter Syndrome vs. Reality
  • 14:28 The Exhaustion of Advocacy
  • 16:41 Accountability in Academia
  • 18:29 Finding Safe Spaces
  • 20:21 Code Switching Experiences
  • 25:31 Representation and Safety in Academia
]]>e7400483-d949-4d7a-b943-47dce3dc4b68Sun, 01 Nov 2026 19:39:52 GMT<p>In this episode of the Counter Story Podcast, Dr. Douglas Valdez and Dr. Lisa Belknap discuss the complexities of intersectionality in academia, particularly focusing on the experiences of marginalized identities. They explore themes of authenticity, professionalism, credibility, and the challenges faced by individuals navigating these spaces.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways </p><ul><li>Intersectionality shapes academic experiences</li><li>Authenticity is often compromised in academia</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters </p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Personal Background</li><li>01:34 Intersectionality in Academia</li><li>04:11 Theories and Their Origins</li><li>06:45 Authenticity and Professionalism</li><li>10:22 Credibility and Recognition</li><li>12:54 Imposter Syndrome vs. Reality</li><li>14:28 The Exhaustion of Advocacy</li><li>16:41 Accountability in Academia</li><li>18:29 Finding Safe Spaces</li><li>20:21 Code Switching Experiences</li><li>25:31 Representation and Safety in Academia</li></ul>no00:57:4413Intersectional Identities and Academia Pt. 1full<![CDATA[So you want to become a clinical mental health counselor?]]>In this episode of the Counter Story Podcast, Dr. Douglas Valdez and Dr. Lisa Belknap discuss the journey of becoming a clinical mental health counselor, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, professional training, and the value of CACREP accreditation. They share personal experiences and insights into the challenges and realities of graduate school, aiming to guide prospective students in their counseling careers. In this conversation, Dr. Lisa Belknap and Dr. Douglas Valdez discuss essential strategies for students entering counseling programs, emphasizing the importance of effective planning, choosing supportive practicum sites, and understanding diversity in counseling. They also reflect on their personal experiences and offer insights into navigating the challenges of graduate education.


Takeaways

  • Importance of self-reflection
  • Value of CACREP accreditation Effective planning is crucial
  • Seek supportive practicum sites


Chapters

  • 00:00 Journey into Counseling
  • 09:26 Understanding Professional Counseling
  • 14:21 The Significance of CACREP Accreditation
  • 27:15 Graduate School Realities
  • 34:40 Navigating Academic Responsibilities
  • 41:49 The Importance of Practicum Choices
  • 50:33 Finding the Right Counseling Program
  • 51:16 Understanding Diversity in Counseling
  • 59:35 Final Reflections on Counseling Journey
]]>8a739d61-072c-42f0-99ea-1acbf13a021fThu, 01 Oct 2026 23:30:47 GMT<p>In this episode of the Counter Story Podcast, Dr. Douglas Valdez and Dr. Lisa Belknap discuss the journey of becoming a clinical mental health counselor, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, professional training, and the value of CACREP accreditation. They share personal experiences and insights into the challenges and realities of graduate school, aiming to guide prospective students in their counseling careers. In this conversation, Dr. Lisa Belknap and Dr. Douglas Valdez discuss essential strategies for students entering counseling programs, emphasizing the importance of effective planning, choosing supportive practicum sites, and understanding diversity in counseling. They also reflect on their personal experiences and offer insights into navigating the challenges of graduate education.</p><p><br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Importance of self-reflection</li><li>Value of CACREP accreditation Effective planning is crucial</li><li>Seek supportive practicum sites</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Journey into Counseling</li><li>09:26 Understanding Professional Counseling</li><li>14:21 The Significance of CACREP Accreditation</li><li>27:15 Graduate School Realities</li><li>34:40 Navigating Academic Responsibilities</li><li>41:49 The Importance of Practicum Choices</li><li>50:33 Finding the Right Counseling Program</li><li>51:16 Understanding Diversity in Counseling</li><li>59:35 Final Reflections on Counseling Journey</li></ul>no00:55:0312So you want to become a clinical mental health counselor?full<![CDATA[Introduction to The Counterstory Podcast]]>In this episode of the CounterStory Podcast, Dr. Douglas Valdez and Dr. Lisa Belknap discuss the importance of storytelling in counseling, the need for critical reflection on traditional practices, and the creation of a supportive community for clinicians. They emphasize the significance of diverse voices and the challenges faced in the counseling field, aiming to foster curiosity and critical thinking among listeners.


Takeaways

  • Stories matter in counseling
  • Create community for clinicians


Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to CounterStory Podcast
  • 02:14 The Importance of Stories in Counseling
  • 04:53 Challenging Traditional Counseling Practices
  • 07:43 Creating a Space for Curiosity and Reflection
  • 10:15 Building Community Among Clinicians
  • 12:41 Expectations for the Podcast
  • 14:38 Why Us? The Need for Diverse Voices
  • 16:42 Navigating Challenges in Counseling
  • 19:50 Moral Injury and Ethical Dilemmas
  • 22:28 Encouraging Critical Thinking
  • 25:20 Creating the Space We Wish Existed
  • 28:48 Bilingual Conversations and Community Engagement
]]>908e3f89-3ae5-48aa-97be-d248f46c8974Thu, 01 Oct 2026 23:29:46 GMT<p>In this episode of the CounterStory Podcast, Dr. Douglas Valdez and Dr. Lisa Belknap discuss the importance of storytelling in counseling, the need for critical reflection on traditional practices, and the creation of a supportive community for clinicians. They emphasize the significance of diverse voices and the challenges faced in the counseling field, aiming to foster curiosity and critical thinking among listeners.</p><p><br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Stories matter in counseling</li><li>Create community for clinicians</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to CounterStory Podcast</li><li>02:14 The Importance of Stories in Counseling</li><li>04:53 Challenging Traditional Counseling Practices</li><li>07:43 Creating a Space for Curiosity and Reflection</li><li>10:15 Building Community Among Clinicians</li><li>12:41 Expectations for the Podcast</li><li>14:38 Why Us? The Need for Diverse Voices</li><li>16:42 Navigating Challenges in Counseling</li><li>19:50 Moral Injury and Ethical Dilemmas</li><li>22:28 Encouraging Critical Thinking</li><li>25:20 Creating the Space We Wish Existed</li><li>28:48 Bilingual Conversations and Community Engagement</li></ul>no00:28:2111Introduction to The Counterstory Podcastfull