At The Mental Health Lab

01/16/2026

*💚Did you know that cattle owners face a high rate of depression due to the financial instability, long hours, fatigue, weather conditions, isolation, animal health issues etc. There also continues to be a stigma that prevents them from seeking help, which then causes anxiety, burnout and su***de risks!

🩵I took the day off and called my son out of school so that we could go to support my dad selling calves at the Tama Livestock Auction. Today’s cattle auction is a “preconditioned sale.” I believe there are so many other lessons and experiences outside of school and memories to make.





⭐️Fun Fact
🐂A Preconditioned Sale is:
“A cattle preconditioned sale features feeder calves that have undergone a management program (typically 30-45+ days) including weaning, castration, dehorning, bunk/trough training, and vaccinations to boost immunity, reducing stress and sickness in the feedlot, resulting in higher demand, better performance, and often premium prices for these healthier, more uniform, and "ready-to-go" calves. These sales, often with special tags (like Iowa's Green/Gold Tag), market calves that are better prepared for the next stage of the beef industry.”

12/23/2025

Charlie passed the 8 week Beginner Doggy Obedience Class tonight wth flying colors. He got 193 points out of 200 points! 🥳 Way to Go Charlie! 🫶

Intermediate Class is up next! 👏

12/22/2025

Taking some treats to the Sheriffs office! I’ve been going there for approximately 6 years to do counseling with the inmates, being contracted by the Poweshiek Co. Region. My AA degree is in Criminal Justice so it’s always been an area of interest to me.

Mental Health therapy is important for inmates because being incarcerated often intensifies existing mental health challenge’s. My goal is to help inmates regulate emotions, offer coping skills, work through healthier decision making, build accountability and insight, process trauma, reduce impulsivity and aggression and work on forgiveness.

This contributes towards fewer fights, self harm, safer and healthier communities, a more safe environment for staff and other inmates, reduce recidivism and hopefully contribute towards continued rehabilitation and so much more.

I’m also taking a couple used 500 piece puzzles to donate. If you have any puzzles, soft sided books, workbooks etc. that you’d like to donate please let me know and I’d be happy to take them to donate for you.

12/18/2025

Mental Health Lab was excited to donate 3 boxes of new toys and other items to support the 140 families that signed up this year for the Grinnell Christmas Share program and to inspire the spirit of giving to others! ❤️ 🌲 Pic of 1 box.

11/13/2025

11/13/2025

Meet Charlie, Our Golden Retriever
Charlie, our lovable Golden Retriever, was born on July 8, 2025. He is a proud registered member of the American Kennel Club and is currently enrolled in beginner dog obedience classes, learning the basics like sit, stay, and heel. He’s the biggest fan of belly, chest, and ear rubs— he really loves being loved and enjoys meeting new people. ❤️

Currently, he’s teething and enjoys chewing on anything that he can get his paws on. He's also crazy about going on walks and being outside, often carrying around a stick he found. Charlie also likes to go to soccer and football games, have staring contests and take naps.
When he's not in the office, Charlie goes to doggy daycare to play, run around, and hang out with friends! I’m working toward having him become a certified therapy dog to help bring comfort and support to others.

Please note: Right now, Charlie is spending more days at doggy daycare than in the office as I don't want him to interrupt therapy sessions as he goes through trainings and matures. There may be days where he is present. If you have allergies, concerns or prefer sessions without him, please always let me know so I can accommodate to your comfort level.

10/04/2025

🧡🖤Happy to help and support the busy students during Homecoming! Good luck All Tigers, Always!
🧡🖤

We are less than a week away from the annual Dogs for Dollars event. The main fundraiser for the Tiger Scholarship Fund. Please support Grinnell graduating seniors by purchasing dinner with us the night of the Homecoming parade. Thank you to all of our generous high school meal sponsors! We appreciate you.

09/24/2025

🎶Today I woke up with this song in my head for some reason. I listened to the original song from Metallica's 1996 "Load" Album. I then decided to listen to it from the S*M (Symphony & Metallica) Album, which I like better so thought I'd share it with the lyrics. The meaning behind this song can mean so many different things as he sings from his heart.
🎹My interpretation of the song is about somebody going off to war and how the soldier often thinks about his mom and home and as time continues during the fight, it changes the soldier into a different person, whom then struggles with PTSD.
💚I can also see how this song can be interpreted about people looking for a hero, realizing their hero is not who they think that they are or maybe his mom? Either way, I think Hetfield knew it could mean something different for everyone.

Morning Music Reflection 😍
Have a Great Day!

🫶Lyrics:
"Mama, they try and break me

The window burns to light the way back home
A light that warms no matter where they’ve gone
They’re off to find the hero of the day
But what if they should fall by someone’s wicked way?

Still the window burns
Time so slowly turns
And someone there is sighing
Keepers of the flames
Do you feel your name?
Did you hear your babies crying?

Mama, they try and break me
Still they try and break me

Excuse me while I tend to how I feel
These things return to me that still seem real
Now, deservingly, this easy chair
But the rocking stopped by wheels of despair

Don’t want your aid
But the fist I make
For years can’t hold or feel
No, I’m not all me
So please excuse me while I tend to how I feel

But now the dreams and waking screams
That ever last the night
So build the wall, behind it crawl
And hide until it’s light
So can you hear your babies crying now?

Still the window burns
Time so slowly turns
And someone there is sighing
Keepers of the flames
Can't you feel your names?
Can't you hear your babies crying?

But now the dreams and waking screams
That ever last the night
So build a wall, behind it crawl
And hide until it’s light
So can’t you hear your babies crying now?

Mama, they try and break me
Mama, they try and break me
Mama they try
Mama they try"

News, updates, requests and ways to support - patreon.com/KaslivtsevMetallica - Hero of the Day (live S*M 1999) (UHD)Video restored to 2160p 60fps quality us...

09/23/2025

✨ Exciting Update ✨
Several of my clients have transitioned to an as-needed basis thanks to the progress they’ve made in their therapy journey. This means I now have openings available for new clients!

📅 First availability: Monday morning, September 29th
If you’ve been considering therapy, this is a great time to get started.

Reach out today to reserve a spot—I’d love to support you on your path to growth and well-being. 💙

Appointments can be requested through my website or feel free to call/text: 641-990-4936

Mental Health Lab... Individual Mental Health Therapy provided by Experienced Professionals. Evidence Based Practices are applied to reduce your concerns and to improve your overall well-being and functioning.

09/11/2025

I am lovig these Super Hero Red Rose Bushes today! 🌹 Beautiful!