Cultivating Resilience + Fighting Well: Dannel Wissler on Mental Health and Family Dynamics in Rural America [episode 46]

Listen to Cultivating Resilience + Fighting Well: Dannel Wissler on Mental Health and Family Dynamics in Rural America on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | your platform of choice

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

Dannel and I first met at the Enneagram and Family Systems cohort in Dallas, Texas at Life in the Trinity Ministries earlier this year. She has a quiet and welcoming way about her, and I was immediately drawn to her! Dannel is a farm wife and mom to 4, and she also had a deep desire to become a licensed counselor. Although it felt pretty scary at the time, she chose to go back to school and make her dream a reality, all while still being present for her family. As a licensed professional counselor, Dannel helps people address a wide variety of emotional needs and challenges. 

Dannel began feeling that ‘itch’ to pursue entrepreneurship, so she founded Willow Oaks Counseling in 2019. 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.

I’m grateful for ALL of the wisdom Dannel had to share in this episode, and I know our conversation will be extremely valuable for you. Also..don’t miss out on the fun giveaway we’re doing together regarding Dannel’s book, Saving Mr. Toad (details are shared at the end of the episode)!

Dannel Wissler is a licensed professional counselor and the founder of Willow Oaks Counseling where she counsels individuals, couples, and families who are seeking positive and healthy paths forward. Her education and training include a Master’s in Marriage and Family Counseling and designation as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Memberships include the Lancaster County Critical Incident Stress Management team, NAADAC the Association for Addiction Professionals, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. 

Dannel is a Lancaster County, Pennsylvania native; she’s married to a farmer for over 30 years and is a mother of four. Dannel is also the author of the book, Saving Mr. Toad.

In this episode, Cultivating Resilience + Fighting Well: Dannel Wissler on Mental Health and Family Dynamics in Rural America, 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
• The ‘underbelly’ we all have and our family knows well, but we tend to keep hidden from the rest of the world
• 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 dwissler@willowoakscounseling.com
• 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 terryn@terryndrieling.com

Related Episodes:

• Episode 25: The ‘Thick Skin’ Myth and How We View Emotions in Rural America
• Episode 27: What is the Purpose of Emotions

More about the Good Movement Draws Good Movement podcast:

In stockmanship (the art and science of handling cattle in a safe, effective, low-stress manner), we have this phrase . . . good movement draws good movement. 

It’s this thing that happens when we ask a small group of cattle, maybe a cow, or a pair to move out in a certain direction and their movement draws the whole herd into moving in the same direction.

Good movement happens when we approach the cattle with a positive attitude, read and really listen to what they’re telling us, and communicate accordingly. 

We don’t approach the aware, flighty cattle the same as we do the tame, docile cattle. We adjust ourselves, our energy, and approach, and communicate with each differently.

These adjustments help us effectively draw good movement from each, which then draws good movement from the herd. But it starts with us.

The same is true for humans. Good movement starts with us.

Welcome to Good Movement Draws Good Movement, the podcast where farmers, ranchers, and rural folks can grow relationally through awareness, understanding, and effective communication.

Hey, it’s me – T. I’m your host, and I, along with my guests, will be covering topics related to drawing good movement – things like self and social awareness, brain science, positive psychology, extending grace, and so much more. 

We’ll share tools that can help you understand why you are the way you are, why others are the way they are, and how you can use that to step out of self-told lies with grace and compassion to draw good movement in conversations, relationships, and life in rural America. 

Tune in every Tuesday and make sure to hit subscribe so you never miss an episode! Let’s go draw good movement!