Show Notes

In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Dr. Arielle Jordan—LCPC, Trauma Therapist, army veteran, author, and founder of Mindset Quality. Her wisdom on redefining resilience and building authentically healing businesses is a must-hear for anyone in the therapy, mental health, or entrepreneurial space.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Redefining Resilience and Leadership: Dr. Jordan reminds us that healing work is not just about symptom relief, but about changing what leadership and resilience genuinely look like—especially for Black women and those in high-pressure helping professions. “What I build now has to heal me too,” she shares.
2. Boundaries Are Essential: Building a business or practice that looks great on Instagram but drains you from the inside is not sustainable. Learning to say “no” and prioritizing your own energy and healing is critical to longevity in this work.
3. Joy Shouldn’t Wait: If you keep pushing joy to the bottom of your to-do list, you’ll never get to it. Dr. Jordan is passionate about experiences that help professionals, veterans, and first responders learn to truly live and thrive after trauma—not just survive.

Healing, leadership, and entrepreneurship can—and should—be integrative, authentic, and sustainable.

More about Arielle:

Dr. Arielle Jordan, LCPC is a trauma therapist, Army veteran, author, speaker, and founder of Mindset Quality, a behavioral health practice dedicated to helping veterans, first responders, and purpose-driven professionals heal and lead with authenticity. She's also the creator of Mission REDEFINE, a soulfully disruptive retreat and group therapy experience designed to restore joy, resilience, and meaning after trauma. As the author of Holding Space and United We Serve, United We Heal, Arielle blends EMDR, coaching, and lived experience to meet people where they are—from therapy rooms to retreat spaces and training stages. Her work is about more than symptom relief—it's about redefining what healing and leadership look like.

• Website: ariellenjordan.com
• Mission REDEFINE Retreat (Jan 29–Feb 2, 2026 in Puerto Rico): mindsetqualityllc.com/mission-redefine-retreat
• All Links: bio.ariellenjordan.com

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Transcript

PATRICK CASALE: Hey, everyone. Welcome back to the All Things Private Practice podcast. I am joined today for a second time by Dr. Arielle Jordan, who is an LCPC, trauma therapist, army veteran, author, speaker, founder of Mindset Quality, a behavioral health practice dedicated to helping veterans, first responders, and purpose-driven professionals heal and lead with authenticity. Also, the creator of Mission Redefine, a soulfully disruptive retreat and group therapy experience designed to restore joy, resilience, and meaning after trauma.

As the author of Holding Space and United We Serve, United We Heal, Arielle blends EMDR, coaching, and lived experience to meet people where they are, from therapy rooms to retreat spaces, and training stages. Her work is more than symptom relief. It's about redefining what healing and leadership looks like. How'd that feel to hear all that?

ARIELLE JORDAN: I never really realized how much of like a radio voice you have. So, I'm like, that was pretty good.

PATRICK CASALE: Thanks. You know, I usually massively stumble over bios, so I'll give myself a round of applause for that.

ARIELLE JORDAN: I loved it.

PATRICK CASALE: But on all seriousness, you know, you came on, it was last year. I really have no concept of time anymore. And I told you this, and I wasn't like blowing smoke. I thought it was one of the best interviews we've had on this podcast in over 200 episodes. And just appreciated your vulnerability, and how you showed up, and talked about some really hard stuff that you've experienced in your life. And now fast forward, you've become a doctor. Congrats.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Thank you.

PATRICK CASALE: And you are doing some big things. So, I know today you want to talk about redefining resilience. Tell us what that means and why that's important?

ARIELLE JORDAN: Yeah, I think that, like, when I think about redefining resilience, I'm not here to build a business that looks pretty on Instagram, but it feels like hell to run. So, I'm, you know, continuing to learn. I've already, like, worn the uniform. I've buried people that were the closest to me. I have sat with clients in their darkest hours. So, I'm not going to create that pressure, you know, in my own company.

So, what I've learned is that what I build now has to heal me too, because there's truth. Like, as a black woman, I don't get a break from systemic or subtle racism that keeps coming up.

And I was watching Dr. Daryl Wing Sue. He wrote one of my psychology textbooks. And so, I just like, kind of fell in love with him. But he calls it Death by 1000 Cuts. And so, those cuts follow you, you know, in every room, military, mental health, entrepreneurship. And that's why I refuse to build a business that bleeds me out.

PATRICK CASALE: I love that.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Like, not what I'm trying to do, you know? So, that's what got me thinking about this topic.

PATRICK CASALE: Yeah, yeah. That makes a ton of sense. And I think it's a really powerful message, especially when you frame it that way. So, I think, you know, when we talk about entrepreneurialship, a lot of people have this misconception that is just this, like, beautifully glamorous process. And it's so exciting and exhilarating. And it's not hard.

And I think that is so disingenuous and misleading. And I, particularly, and you know, just for me, appreciate the creators and the personalities that are out there that are really authentically themselves and talking about the hardship. I think we cannot separate the two.

ARIELLE JORDAN: No, absolutely not. I mean, thinking about my journey, like I built because I didn't have a choice, you know? Like, literally, I went through all the shit, and there was no time off, there's no pause button, there's no safety net. So, you know, I had to do that healing work and build at the same time. I didn't get to take time off. So, that's where this was born, you know?

PATRICK CASALE: Yeah.

ARIELLE JORDAN: I think that we have to stop waiting for ready. Like, sometimes building, you know, is the only thing that keeps you standing. So, some of us don't have an option to, like, got to go take a, you know, sabbatical, or something like that. Like, that wasn't an option for me.

PATRICK CASALE: Sure. Yeah, you mentioned that the last time you were on here, and just kind of like, what it was like to be in the military as a black woman, and the experiences you had, followed by a lot of grief and loss, and a lot of struggle area.

But the one thing that I think has impressed me about you from afar and just in general is like ability to continue to just push forward no matter the circumstance.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Yeah, absolutely. And I feel like that's like-

PATRICK CASALE: Wait, wait, let's pause. What was that reaction at first? Like-

ARIELLE JORDAN: I was just thinking, like, that's a good thing and a bad thing.

PATRICK CASALE: Yeah, 100%, right?

ARIELLE JORDAN: Yeah.

PATRICK CASALE: Because out of circumstance and context, it's like, I didn't have a choice. And also, in reality, it's like, but this also is exhausting, most likely, and has been really fucking hard.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Right. And I know you get it, because you talk about that in your content as well. Like, we own it, but also sometimes it's hard, you know? We have great days, and then sometimes they're not so great. So-

PATRICK CASALE: For sure.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Both exist, you know? I was thinking about, you know, like in private practice, you write your own and, or you become the unpaid intern in your business. So, like, I found myself going towards that. And I'm like, you know, we're already carrying a lot of weight here. We need to have some boundaries here. And that's kind of how you stay in the fight.

PATRICK CASALE: 100%. Yeah, the boundaries are unbelievably important. The more that we anchor into who we want to be and who we want to become, I think it's deeply introspective and reflective of a process of, like, getting comfortable with the uncomfortable.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Absolutely. If it drains you, if it costs you money, if it compromises your mission, it's a no.

PATRICK CASALE: Yeah.

ARIELLE JORDAN: So, I don't think I stood on that as much previous years because I'm learning, but now I'm like, oh yeah, yeah, the answer is no, actually. And it's okay to say no.

PATRICK CASALE: It's okay to say no. It's absolutely okay to say no. I think for me, I've embraced, like, if it's not a hell yes, then it's a hell no. And in order to protect the very limited capacity and energy that I have, and if I realize, like, how much I've pushed myself into burnout for years and continue to try to push through it, it's like this is clearly not working. So, now it's about stepping back and saying, how do I restructure, reorient, reorganize, reprioritize? And you have to put your energy first. I think energy and time are the two resources that we don't get back.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Absolutely. I feel like that should be on a t-shirt. Like, if it's not a hell yes, it's a hell no.

PATRICK CASALE: Yeah. Xander, if you're listening to this, you know, another t-shirt idea, write it down.

So, with that being said, like, how has this helped you, just this redefining resilience mindset kind of transition and transform into who you are in present day, in August of 2025?

ARIELLE JORDAN: Yeah. So, you just talked about energy, and that's kind of where that came from. Like, that's the exchange rate, right? Like, I've seen veterans, first responders, and therapists hold it together while they're falling apart off of the clock. Then, you know, I've also been that person as well. So, the constant calculations that come with navigating bias, you're running a marathon, literally with weights on your ankles, if you can think of it that way. So, I had to do, like, some healing work. And I think that's why I love EMDR so much. Like, literally, that was like, I guess the key to, like, unlocking where I protect and I rebuild my energy so I can run the long thing. So, you know, I think that's important, in general, like protect your energy like you protect your revenue, you know? Because literally [CROSSTALK 00:10:06]-

PATRICK CASALE: It goes hand in hand, right?

ARIELLE JORDAN: Yes.

PATRICK CASALE: Your energy ebb and flow, and that, like, arc goes hand in hand with your ability to create more wealth and more revenue.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Absolutely. And I feel like I've been running EMDR groups in veteran spaces, and that's been really cool to see. And as you know, I'm putting together a retreat. And these people have seen real-life nightmares. And what I do know is that if people don't know what's coming, and they feel like they don't have choices, then they check out.

And so, you know, talking about, like, trauma, proofing stuff, like predictability and choice, that's trust, you know? It builds them into, like, every step, you know? So, we talk about intake, we talk about onboarding, we talk about delivery, we talk about follow-up. Like, these are the things that are helping create some sort of a like trauma-informed everything.

PATRICK CASALE: Right. Yeah, that makes sense to have that container and to allow to have that perspective reframe. How has this been received in veteran spaces and black and brown spaces?

ARIELLE JORDAN: It has been interesting. Just yesterday, I went to the Veterans Service Center. I didn't get a lot of response. This is my second group that I'm done doing. So, I was like, you know what? I don't know, let me walk around the building, you know?

And so, I walked around the building. And the National Association of Black Veterans was there. And I spoke to them last week, telling them what EMDR is. We were talking about stigma. We were talking about how you can achieve this, and you can have therapy, both together, you know? And so, it was so funny, because I didn't think I was going to be there for two hours. So, I was like, "You know, let me go talk to them again."

And so, it happened to be the leaders that were there. And then, just like people that knew each other, like three of them. And one of them was a spouse, the other two were a vet. I think one was a Vietnam vet. And I was like, "So, we're not, like, doing anything. You all have a meeting agenda or anything?" And they said, "No."

And I said, "So, you all want to try some EMDR?" And so, I could say it was a piece of candy, you know, "You all want to try some EMDR?" But it was really cool, because they were like, they already knew about it, so it wasn't like me blindsiding them or anything. And obviously, I got their consent and everything.

And we are did the G-TEP protocol. So, it's like a worksheet that we do. And it was so freaking cool. Like, one, for them to be open. And so, we did grounding exercises. And they were talking about what they noticed. And then, at the end, we go through the process, and they're like, "Huh?" One of the spouse was like, "I didn't realize how much I sacrificed." Because the spouses are in it too, you know?

And then, the other people, the things that have happened to them, they're like, they can have hope. They can learn from it. They can do better from this point on, you know? Those kind of things came out.

And so, I was really, really happy that they tried it, because, had they not tried it, that weight is still heavy, you know? So, it was really cool. It's not well-received, though. But I did ask them afterwards. And they said, "It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be." Because they called themselves victims, at first. They were like, "I guess we're going to be your victims today." And I'm like, "No, no, we're going to try something. We're going to see what happens." You know, curiosity.

PATRICK CASALE: Yeah, you're going to be the recipients, not the victims, which sounds like, by you just being a part of the veteran culture, there's more buy-in to be like, can we try this? You know, maybe this could be helpful.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Yeah.

PATRICK CASALE: To build those relationships are huge.

ARIELLE JORDAN: We've done way harder stuff, but it's a vulnerability about, wait a minute, we're going to talk about my stuff?

PATRICK CASALE: Yeah.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Okay. But the good thing about the group setup is that you don't share your traumatic episode. You don't share your traumatic… I don't even know what they were working on, but I do know the outcome. And so, when I say it like that, they're more willing. They're like, "Okay."

So, I was like, the paper is the only thing that's going to know what you're working on. And so, that's creates a safety here. Like, it doesn't matter what I'm working on, it's going to get better, you know? And so, it's so cool to see brains work through that.

And I've had people as old as 84. Like, I've never reached that age demographic before, but even that person saw improvement.

PATRICK CASALE: That's beautiful. And also, just being able to instill and offer that hope and safety, that maybe even things can get like 1% easier or more manageable through just trying something out.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Absolutely. 1% is enough. Like, going back to the cost, it costs you to not do it.

PATRICK CASALE: 100%, without a doubt, without a doubt. Let's pivot for a second to your retreat ideas. Last time you were on here, you were like, "I want to do a retreat." But I think you were quite scattered. And I got to see this firsthand because you came to a retreat event that I hosted, and I saw the aftermath of, like, thinking through many things, right? Too many ideas, not as much clarity. It sounds like this time around, there's much more clarity.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Absolutely. And it's so funny, because I think you had made a joke, "So, which one of the 100 retreats are you?" It's like, yeah, that's very valid, right?

PATRICK CASALE: Yeah.

ARIELLE JORDAN: This time, and I was going to so many different directions. I was like, do I do one for grieving moms? And I was like, no, I don't want it to be heavy. So, my concept, what I did come to is, I love EMDR, and that's where we do the healing work. So, for the retreat, let's do the living, because we have to live after loss. We have to live after trauma. How we do that, though?

And so, now I'm like, okay, so EMDR is the healing part. The retreat is going to be the lived, and we're going to have some fun. So, that was like an actual moment for me. And so, I was like, "Well, let me try to do a fundraiser. And let's see if we can sponsor a couple veteran spots or first responders as well."

So, I put together a fundraiser. And we're going to see how it goes. And if we get enough, we're going to help somebody that wants to go, that is like, how do I live again? Let me show you, you know? So, that's what it's all about. So, not just for veterans or first responders, but also for purpose-driven professionals, the spouse that has to deal with the vet, you know, caregivers, people that just need to let their hair down for a minute because we absolutely need to.

PATRICK CASALE: Absolutely. That sounds great. Where is this happening this time? Because I know the last time you had, like, 300 different venues.

ARIELLE JORDAN: I still do in the background. But what I landed on was San Juan, Puerto Rico, because I feel like that is the place where I want to, like, put my pin down. This is the first one. And it's going to be just a beautiful place on the beach. Like, let's go hang out.

And I've never been to Puerto Rico. Of course, I'm going to go and scout it out. And, you know, see everything in person, but I think it's going to be good because of the blue water and just being on the beach.

PATRICK CASALE: Yeah, that sounds very relaxing. So, if you're listening and that sounds like something you'd be interested in, information will definitely be in the show notes for you to have access.

And I don't know if you gave this to me, but if you have a link to, like, the fundraiser that you create, you know, send it my way, so we can add that as well. So, if you are listening and you're like, "Oh, I'm not a part of that community, but I'd love to donate to the cause, you know?" Because I think helping each other out, community healing is really what this is all about.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Absolutely, yeah.

PATRICK CASALE: [CROSSTALK 00:20:29] behind you right now, jumping around like…

ARIELLE JORDAN: Agnes, he's got this [INDISCERNIBLE 00:20:36]. He has to put it in different places of the house every day. So, that's what he's doing.

PATRICK CASALE: Hudson just finished his and passed out in the corner of my room. So, I get a reprieve for 10 minutes.

ARIELLE JORDAN: He won't eat it. He just strategically places it throughout the house. Like, I went to bed last night. And I'm like, "What the hell?" And there was a bone under my pillow.

PATRICK CASALE: Yeah, yeah. It's a nice surprise. Yeah, so as we get ready to wrap, what's final thoughts, final takeaways? You want to share some details about this event or any of your other work? I'd love for the audience to be able to hear that so that they can support you.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Yeah. So, I mean, that's my big project right now. And I think the topic came to mind because, like, if you keep pushing joy at the bottom of the list, then you're never going to get there. So, I want to do things that support that, you know? I want to be around people that think like that, or are starting to think like that. I mean, it's a never-ending learning process, but…

PATRICK CASALE: 100%.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Yeah, the reason I'm still here, and still building, and still learning, you know, I'm still learning how to make it stronger. And I think, thankful that you've seen part of that journey too.

PATRICK CASALE: Yeah, it's been cool to witness, you know? I'm always, like, rooting you on in the background. So, for your retreat, I know you have dates in mind, so share the date, share the details, whatever you want to share. And we'll include everything in the show notes, too, so that everyone has access to this information.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Absolutely. So, it's going to be San Juan, January 29th to February 2. And I picked January 29th because that is the day that I lost my daughter. And I always take a pause during that time. So, I'm like, let's take a pause with people for purpose of we can live after loss. Like, literally, I'm doing it with you, you know?

And like I said, we're going to have fun. We're going to rest, but we're also going to have fun. There might be a zip line or two, you know? We have to have an adventure or something. But the purpose behind it is, you know, this retreat is bigger than me. But, yeah, all of my stuff is in one place. I put bio.ariellenjordan.com. And you can click it. And it shows you everything that I'm doing. Our old podcast episode is on there. Try to keep it simple.

PATRICK CASALE: Cool. Well, we'll have that included in the show notes for those of you who are interested. And again, once you get me that link to your fundraiser, we'll add that, too. Where can people find you on social media or anywhere else?

ARIELLE JORDAN: Yeah, I'm on all of the social medias.

PATRICK CASALE: All of the medias.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Let's say of all the media's, but the bio.ariellenjordan.com will take you to anywhere you want to go.

PATRICK CASALE: Perfect.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Beautiful link, because it takes you to TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, all of it.

PATRICK CASALE: Perfect. Well. Thank you so much for coming on again and sharing some more of your story and your healing journey. And it's really amazing to watch and witness. And I wish you nothing but success. So, thanks for making the time.

ARIELLE JORDAN: Thank you for having me again. It's always a pleasure.

PATRICK CASALE: Yeah, you're welcome. To everyone listening to the All Things Private Practice podcast, new episodes are out on Saturdays on all major platforms and YouTube. You can like, download, subscribe, and share. Doubt yourself and do it anyway. And we'll see you next week.