Coaching and Mental Health: Breaking Stigma & Building Resilient Leaders

“The biggest barrier to mental health is not weakness. It’s stigma. When we create safe spaces for honest conversations, leaders and teams can thrive.” Dr. Carylynn Larson

In this episode of CoachConnect, Dr. Diego Salinas welcomes Dr. Carylynn Larson, a professional speaker, leadership coach, and former nonprofit CEO, to explore the vital connection between coaching and mental health.

Dr. Larson shares her personal journey of recovery, how it led her to found a national mental health nonprofit: Rock Recovery, and why stigma is often the hardest barrier for leaders and employees alike.

She explains how coaches can support clients struggling with burnout, stress, and overwhelm, without crossing into therapy, and why creating safe, nonjudgmental spaces is key for growth.

Together, Diego and Carolyn highlight how coaching skills can empower leaders to address well-being at work, reduce stigma, and build resilient, connected cultures

This episode is perfect for:
– Coaches navigating conversations about mental health with clients
– Leaders and executives who want to support workplace well-being
– Organizations focused on resilience, retention, and culture
– Anyone passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health

Dr. Carylynn Larson, PhD – Speaker, Executive Coach & Mental Health Advocate

Dr. Carylynn Larson is a speaker and executive coach who helps leaders build resilient and connected cultures. She holds a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from George Mason University.

Carylynn has more than a decade of experience speaking at conferences, corporate events, and leadership summits. Her talks blend research, personal insight, and practical tools that stick. She has worked across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors and served on faculty at George Washington University and American University. She also worked as an Organizational Psychologist and Leadership Coach at Churchill Leadership Group.

Before coaching, Carylynn spent 17 years leading a national mental health nonprofit she founded during her own recovery. Her story of overcoming an eating disorder continues to inspire audiences worldwide.

Today, she teaches leaders how to use coaching skills to support mental health at work. Her mission is to reduce stigma, promote well-being, and create workplaces where people feel safe and supported.

Dr. Diego Salinas is the host of CoachConnect.

Dr. Diego Salinas is a neuroscientist, physician, and health coach. He is passionate about helping coaches grow their impact in the health and wellness space.

As the co-founder of Vibly, he equips coaches with the tools and support to build thriving practices and create lasting change.

Blending medical expertise with coaching experience, Dr. Salinas specializes in behavior change, mental well-being, and the role of coaching in healthcare. On CoachConnect, he explores the strategies and successes of top coaches, sharing actionable insights. A strong advocate for coaching in healthcare, he speaks at industry events and works to make quality coaching more accessible.

CoachConnect with Dr. Diego Salinas is a podcast for coaches looking to grow their impact, refine their strategies, and navigate the evolving world of health and wellness coaching.

Dr. Diego Salinas has a question for coaches and coaching industry leaders: “What makes coaching a powerful force for change?” In this podcast series, he sits down with top coaching professionals to uncover their insights, strategies, and personal journeys.

Each episode of CoachConnect delivers real-world strategies, success stories, and expert perspectives on coaching, mental well-being, and business growth, helping coaches at all levels unlock their full potential.