In this episode of Headroom, I sit down with my friend and colleague, Professor Mark Vroman, to explore the profound impact of a career in emergency response and education. Mark, a graduate of Lansing Community College’s Fire Science and Emergency Medicine programs, served as a Battalion Chief in the greater Lansing area before pursuing an MBA and PhD. Now a professor of online learning, he plays a vital role in Siena Heights University’s prison education program.

Together, we discuss the rewards and challenges of working in the helping professions, particularly in high-stakes environments where people face life-altering circumstances. Mark shares insights from his 30-year career in emergency medicine and community emergency preparedness, reflecting on the personal sacrifices, lessons learned, and the enduring value of service.

In this episode of Headroom, we continue our conversation with Jason Riley, LPC, CAADC, exploring how recovery and personal growth are deeply influenced by community and relationships. While therapy often takes place in a one-on-one setting, true transformation is accelerated and sustained through meaningful connections. We discuss the importance of group therapy, the role of relationships in healing, and how systemic approaches in counseling emphasize the power of belonging. Addiction recovery isn’t just about individual change - it’s about rediscovering purpose within a supportive community.

In this episode of Headroom, I sit down with Jason Riley, LPC, CAADC - once my student, now my colleague in mental health - to discuss addiction, co-occurring disorders, and the role of meaning in the recovery process. Drawing inspiration from Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, we explore how addiction counseling isn’t just about helping people stop destructive behaviors but about collaboratively guiding them toward what is truly life-affirming. We discuss the importance of connection, purpose, and the shift from traditional directive approaches in addiction counseling to a more person-centered, collaborative model. People don’t change simply because they’re told to; they need a reason to pursue something better. This is part one of a two-part conversation; in the next episode, we continue our discussion on meaning, addiction, and effective therapy.