The Voice of Hope with Dr. Ken Huey
Join Dr. Ken Huey on The Voice of Hope, where real stories and expert insights meet to inspire healing and transformation. With decades of experience in behavioral health and trauma therapy, Dr. Huey draws from his personal journey and professional expertise to offer practical advice for families, adoptees, and anyone seeking growth. Discover strategies to navigate trauma, build stronger relationships, and embrace hope in every episode. Tune in for thoughtful conversations that uplift and empower.
The Voice of Hope with Dr. Ken Huey
Mike Gurr: Leading with Vulnerability - Trauma, Worthiness, and Hope in Adolescent Mental Health
In this episode of The Voice of Hope Podcast, Dr. Ken Huey speaks with Mike Gurr, Chief Clinical Officer at EmotiCare, about how vulnerability, worthiness, and trauma-informed leadership shape the future of adolescent mental health care.
Mike shares how his grandmother’s wisdom continues to guide his “why,” why families - not facilities - are at the center of healing, and what Brené Brown’s work on shame and vulnerability has taught him about connection.
Together, Ken and Mike explore the misconceptions around treatment, the subtle signs of trauma staff often overlook, and how AI could transform mental health care - for better or worse.
It’s a grounded, hopeful conversation about what truly changes people - and why Mike still believes transformation is possible, one family at a time.
(00:14)
Ken Huey: Today's guest is Mike Gurr, Chief Clinical Officer of EmotiCare, where he leads innovative approaches to mental health, recovery, and wellness.
(Introductory bio delivered by Ken)
(01:06)
Ken: I always like to start these understanding how we arrived where we are. Why do you do this work, Mike? What’s your why?
(01:20)
Mike: That’s a great question… even back in my undergrad, I knew I was drawn to families, athletes, and the corporate world…
(Mike shares how his passion for families shaped his purpose, and the lasting lesson his grandmother gave him: “If you just reach one, that one can have a generational impact.”)
(04:21)
Ken: Sports psychology and clinical psychology—what drew you to that intersection?
(04:24)
Mike: I grew up an athlete, played Division I sports… I’ve always loved excellence and performance. Whether athletes or families, my goal’s the same—helping people be their best.
(Mike explains how sports psychology and counseling overlap through mindset, discipline, and behavior change.)
(06:43)
Ken: You’re deeply influenced by Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and worthiness. Can you talk about worthiness in your work?
(06:59)
Mike: Worthiness comes into play through shame. Where shame is, worthiness is not… shame says “I am not enough.” Worthiness says “I am.”
(He explains how vulnerability drives connection, and how naming shame helps it lose power.)
(09:13)
Ken: From that micro view to a more macro one — what does the general public not understand about adolescent behavioral healthcare?
(09:24)
Mike: A lot. Families think treatment is the end—but it’s just the beginning. We’re not in the fixing business. Healing starts when treatment ends.
(He calls for removing stigma and normalizing conversations around mental health.)
(12:18)
Ken: Talk to me about shame resilience in adolescents.
(12:23)
Mike: Shame resilience starts by separating guilt (“I did bad”) from shame (“I am bad”). These kids are more than their behaviors. Helping them see that truth is powerful.
(14:12)
Ken: Tell us a little about your current role at EmotiCare—what’s your 30-second elevator pitch?
(14:25)
Mike: As Chief Clinical Officer, I oversee residential and outpatient programs for adolescents 12–17, focusing on families, connection, and community-based care.
(15:28)
Ken: You helped launch the Meadows Adolescent Center. What did you learn there that shapes your leadership now?
(15:34)
Mike: Trauma work—done intentionally and holistically. I brought that to EmotiCare: the mindset, the culture, and the systems to support healing.
(16:46)
Ken: What are some subtle signs of trauma you train your staff to notice?**
(16:56)
Mike: Everything from dysregulation to defiance has a function. Staff must understand what’s behind behaviors—and not recreate the chaos kids come from.
(19:00)
Ken: You’ve been leading for 20 years. Where is behavioral healthcare headed in the next five years?
(19:15)
Mike: AI is the next wave. It can both connect and isolate. It’s powerful—but dangerous if it replaces real relationships.
(22:14)
Ken: In a time of pessimism and division, what gives you hope?
(22:41)
Mike: The reason I still do this is hope. Hope that people can change.
(He shares a powerful story of a girl whose life—and family—transformed through treatment, illustrating that healing is possible.)
(25:29)
Ken: Mike, your passion and leadership make the world better. Thanks for sharing your perspective today.
(25:48)
Mike: Thank you, Ken. I appreciate it.
