<p>In this episode of <em>The Avalanche Hour</em>, host Sean welcomes special guest Jess Shade. A high-altitude ski mountaineer, queer woman, and licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Utah and Michigan. Jess brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to discuss the intricate relationship between mental health and mountain environments.</p>
<p>Together, they delve into the mindsets of those who inhabit the mountains, exploring therapy-based ideas that help individuals process daily events, inclusion, and trauma. Jess shares insights on the changing culture regarding mental health in the snow world, highlighting tools like the Responder Alliance’s Stress Continuum and principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to promote resilience and psychological flexibility.</p>
<p>They also discuss Jess’s work with organizations like the American Alpine Club’s Climbing Grief Fund and the Utah Avalanche Center, as well as her involvement with Utah’s LGBTQ+ community through the LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapist Guild of Utah.</p>
<p>Socials:</p>
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<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/theavalanchehourpodcast" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Avalanche hour Podcast</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/shade_jess/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Jess Shade</a></li>
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<p>Links: </p>
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<li><p><a href="docs.google.com/forms/d/11VZDk-10Mjp1BJeZKdk9FmluAqN3Pz1sGCzzJs6NLbI/edit" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Listener Survey</a> </p>
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<li><p><a href="http://lgbtqtherapists.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapist Guild of Utah </a>- An organization of therapists who meet monthly for continuing education. The website has a list of licensed clinicians in Utah who are affirming and trained in working with queer people. </p>
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<li><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mountain_queers/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Mountain Queers</a> - An organization supporting representation and equity for queer and trans folx in mountain sport. </p>
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<li><p><a href="www.responderalliance.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Responder Alliance</a> - works to build awareness of stress injury and increase resilience for folks who work in austere environments. Please note they are largely focused on prevention, however many of the resources and tools are very applicable and provide a good foundation for having conversations around stress and trauma. </p>
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<li><p><a href="americanalpineclub.org/grieffund" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Climbing Grief Fund, American Alpine Club</a> - CGF hosts a therapist directory and offers individual grants of up to $600 to individuals who have experienced grief or trauma related to climbing, alpinism, or ski mountaineering. You do not have to be a member of the American Alpine Club to apply for a CGF grant. </p>
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<li><p><a href="www.americanavalancheassociation.org/resili…roject/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">American Avalanche Association</a> - The A3 Avalanche Resilience Project also hosts a therapist directory with folks who have familiarity with the industry. A3 also offers a "resilience grant" of up to $500 to Professional and Affiliate members who are interested in pursuing therapy. </p>
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<li><p><a href="soar4life.org/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Survivors of Outdoor Adventures and Recovery (SOAR)</a> - SOAR offers professionally-facilitated peer support groups for folks who have experienced loss or trauma in the outdoors. I just attended one of their community connection workshops on grief and trauma and found it very helpful. Get in touch with this wonderful organization!</p>
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<li><p><a href="www.mountainmuskox.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Mountain Muskox</a> - For our northern friends, Mountain Muskox is a fantastic organization that offers professionally-facilitated in person peer support circles in BC and Alberta. They also offer a weekend gathering each fall. </p>
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<p>Sponsors for this episode:</p>
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<li><p><a href="www.wyssenavalanche.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Wyssen Avalanche Control</a></p>
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<li><p><a href="www.gordini.com " target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Gordini</a> - Use code <strong>snowpro40</strong> to receive 40% off Gordini gear through October. (Code:SnowPro40)</p>
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<li><p><a href="www.beaconguidebooks.com/ " target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Beacon Guide Books</a>: Use the code <strong>AVSAR</strong> to get 25% off the Avalanche Search + Rescue: A Backcountry Field Guide</p>
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<li><p><a href="OpenSnow.com/buy " target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">OpenSnow</a>: Use code <strong>avalanche50 </strong>to receive 50% off their premium subscription.</p>
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<p>Crew:</p>
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<li><p>Creator - <a href="instagram.com/theavalanchehourpodcast" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Caleb Merrill</a></p>
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<li><p>Host - Sean Zimmerman-Wall</p>
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<li><p>Producer - <a href="www.instagram.com/backcountrycam" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Cameron Griffin</a> </p>
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<p>Donate:</p>
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<li><p><a href="https://www.theavalanchehour.com/donate/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Avalanche Hour Podcast</a></p>
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<li><p><a href="www.americanavalancheassociation.org/donate" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The American Avalanche Association</a> </p>
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<p>Music:</p>
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<li><p>Age Diamante - Chill Pah</p>
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