Cultivating Resilience + Fighting Well: Dannel Wissler on Mental Health and Family Dynamics in Rural America

Good Movement Draws Good Movement

I’m honored to have my incredible friend, Dannel Wissler, on the podcast today!

Dannel is a farm wife and mom to 4, and she also had a deep desire to become a licensed counselor. As a licensed professional counselor, Dannel helps people address a wide variety of emotional needs and challenges.

In today’s conversation, Dannel and I delve into cultivating resilience, fighting well, and the crucial role that mental health has on family dynamics in rural America. Dannel loves working with many different types of clients, from couples and families to first responders, and even those in the ag space. People in agriculture are incredibly strong and resilient (which is something to be proud of). But...the stigma that’s associated with this space often leads us to believe that it’s weak (or even unnecessary) to ask for help when we’re struggling with our mental health.

We aren’t meant to suffer in our own little ‘silo’ that we’ve created; feeling like we need to hide our shortcomings and woundings from everyone but our families (who usually see the ‘uglier’ parts of us) isn’t something we can do forever either! It’s vital that we stay anchored in the present, while getting help so we can successfully move forward, and ultimately, thrive.

In this episode, we cover:

• Dannel’s inspirational journey of pursuing her dreams, while still being a present wife and mom
• The entrepreneurial ‘push’ that led Dannel to start Willow Oaks Counseling + the wide variety of clients she supports
• Multiple barriers affecting the ag community + why it’s necessary to ‘break the stigma’ when you’re struggling and need support with your mental health
• How Dannel’s role in both agriculture and counseling have influenced each other, and every part of her life
• Dannel’s book, Saving Mr. Toad

Resources & Links:

• Join the waitlist for the Good Movement Collective
• Good Movement music by: Aaron Espe
• Podcast produced by: Jill Carr Podcasting

Connect with Dannel:

• Check out her website
• Send her an email at [e-mail]
• Get a copy of Dannel’s book, Saving Mr. Toad

Connect with Terryn:

• Follow on Instagram @terryn.drieling
• Check out my website
• Send me an email at [e-mail]

Make sure to hit subscribe/follow so you never miss an episode!

Find the complete show notes here: https://terryndrieling.com/cultivating-resilience-fighting-well-dannel-wissler-on-mental-health-and-family-dynamics-in-rural-america-episode-46