Biography: Ariel Gbenedio, LCSW

Ariel Wilson Gbenedio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), transformational speaker, and dedicated advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. With nearly a decade of experience across diverse clinical settings—including crisis residential treatment and outpatient care—Ariel has become a trusted voice for those navigating the darkest chapters of their lives. Her work is rooted in a blend of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), but her true impact lies in her deeply compassionate, human-centered approach to healing.

Throughout her career, Ariel has witnessed the profound need for a more open, honest, and proactive dialogue regarding suicide. Recognizing that clinical expertise alone is not enough to dismantle the stigma surrounding the topic, she has expanded her reach to the keynote stage. As a sought-after speaker, she engages audiences with raw authenticity, aiming to bridge the gap between clinical theory and lived experience. Her goal is not just to inform, but to shift the collective perspective on how we perceive mental health crises, encouraging societies to prioritize emotional well-being with the same urgency as physical health.

Ep. 337 ShawnLaRé Brinkley, LMFT

Healing Trauma and Finding Purpose Through Holistic Therapy

ShawnLaRé Brinkley, MS, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the visionary CEO and President of Living Loved Healing. With over a decade of clinical experience, she has dedicated her career to understanding the "why" behind the human experience, working with individuals and couples to navigate the complexities of trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Her practice is founded on the belief that healing is an organic, fluid process, and she employs an eclectic range of therapeutic modalities—including art, music, and movement—to meet her clients exactly where they are.

Jeanne Pepper and ShawnLarae Brinkley at March 11th Interview @PeppTalks Studios

Guided by the wisdom, "To she whom much is given, much is required," Shawn has built a reputation as a fierce advocate for those facing the deepest of struggles. Her professional journey includes extensive work with survivors of domestic violence, human sex trafficking, and childhood sexual abuse, as well as families grappling with the loss of loved ones to homicide, suicide, and systemic violence. She brings a unique combination of clinical rigor and profound empathy to her work, creating a safe, intentional space where clients can uncover their true selves before trauma shaped their narratives.

As a clinician, Shawn prioritizes "psychological flexibility," helping her clients develop the resilience needed to remain present and engaged even when life becomes difficult. Her work extends beyond the therapy room; she is an active public speaker and consultant on critical topics such as suicide prevention, bullying, and human sex trafficking awareness. By fostering a culture of safety, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard, she empowers her clients to transition from a place of feeling "stuck" or disconnected to a life of hope and deep, personal fulfillment.