Because We Went To Therapy

Not only is May Mental Health Month, but it is also Maternal Mental Health Month, a topic we need to talk so much more about. With that said, this week we are joined by Kelly Rodriguez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Perinatal Mental Health specialist based in California. Kelly, Emily, and Ashley talk about how your mental health can change from pregnancy to the first few weeks after birth (the perinatal period), and into postpartum and parenthood. Kelly shares her own post birth story and her experience as a therapist helping women navigate this new chapter in their lives. We also talk about risk factors and warning signs that you, your partner, and support system can be aware of during pregnancy and postpartum. We share tips and coping strategies and you can find more resources below and on our Instagram, @BecauseWeWentToTherapy. Please note: there is an issue with the audio sound quality for the first few minutes, but after the intros it is resolved! Where to find Kelly: Kelly Rodriguez, LMFT, PMH-C  kellyrodrigueztherapy.com https://www.instagram.com/allthefeels.therapy/ RESOURCES: postpartum.net 1-800-944-4773 Maternal mental health hotline  1-833-943-5746 Podcasts:Mom & Mind, Mom Well

Today we are joined by Leeor Gal (LMFT) and Annalise Maull (MFT), to break down couples and family therapy. Entering therapy with another person or persons can be very intimidating - and extremely beneficial. We go over questions like, is it ever "too soon" to attend couple's therapy, how do you navigate a couple or family situation where one person does not want to be there or find value in the therapeutic work, how much of our issues are rooted in the way we communicate, and when is family therapy helpful. We discuss how it can be helpful in navigating relationships with your in-laws, family conflicts, generational trauma. Leeor's IG: @the_therapy_gal Other links for Leeor (Tiktok, mental health guides, her podcast, etc.): https://stan.store/thetherapygal Annalise's IG: @easygoing_empath

Emily and Ashley are discussing the book "It Didn't Start With You" by Mark Wolynn. They discuss how trauma can affect multiple generations within a family, both on a behavioral and genetic level. So much suffering starts with trauma and the trauma of our ancestors was and often is seen as too taboo of a subject to be talked about within our families and communities, which only perpetuates the cycles. Generational trauma includes (but is certainly not limited to) sexual abuse, physical abuse, substance abuse, war, genocide, incarceration, discrimination, and racism. We discuss the 'nature vs. nurture' viewpoint, as well as the science behind trauma genetically changing our DNA. We also touch on someone's decision to have kids and work on breaking the cycles of trauma, and also respecting those whose choice is to be child-free. Whether or not you decide to have children, you are worth doing the work to heal and break generational cycles. ***Content Warning: Sexual Abuse is discussed in this podcast. Book: https://www.amazon.com/Didnt-Start-You-Inherited-Family/dp/1101980389/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=580750324247&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9018838&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15865308277740364540&hvtargid=kwd-181843148894&hydadcr=22597_13493304&keywords=it+didn%27t+start+with+you+mark+wolynn&qid=1679597593&s=books&sr=1-1 IG: BecauseWeWentToTherapy

We are joined by Dana Carretta-Stein, an EMDR therapist based in New York. Not only does Dana practice EMDR with her clients, she is also a consultant to fellow therapists on how to best use EMDR with their own clients! Per Dana's Website, "EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) is a trauma-informed, solution-focused therapy that was founded by Francine Shapiro in 1987 for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since then, it has become one of the best ways to overcome anxiety, depression, and a number of other mental health struggles."  Throughout this conversation, the ladies discuss who is a good candidate for EMDR, finding a practitioner, what a session might look like, and how EMDR therapy can help clients through PTSD and complex trauma. This therapy helps us use both hemispheres of our brain to effectively process trauma. Trauma is at the core of so many mental health issues, and it is possible that EMDR may be the right therapy modality for people seeking help. Dana also mentions an EMDR progress journal she authored, which we have linked below.  Follow Dana On IG! https://www.instagram.com/the_emdr_coach/ Dana's Personal Website: https://www.danacarretta.com Dana's Practice: https://www.peacefullivingmentalhealthcounseling.com/ EMDR Progress Journal: https://www.danacarretta.com/progressjournal --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We are joined by Grace Mackey - LPC, Yoga Therapist, Chronic Pain Coach. With her training in pain reprocessing therapy, Grace specializes in working with clients who struggle with chronic pain and fatigue. We discuss how and why chronic pain appears in our lives and how it is connected to our mental health. Chronic pain or fatigue (or for some people, both at the same time) can be a trauma response and how our bodies cope with that stress. Good news, though - there is a way to manage and work through that pain! You might just need a mental health therapist to help you through it! Grace's IG: @heal.with.grace Grace's Website: https://www.elevatetherapywellness.com/grace-mackey --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today Emily and Ashley tackle a very trendy and timely topic - "deinfluencing". This term has been all over Tiktok recently, and there is an interesting psychological aspect to examining what we buy and why we buy it. We discuss how we are being constantly marketed to buy the newest thing, how fast fashion is unsustainable, how “dupes” can be a double edged sword, and what you can do to re-evaluate your own spending habits and coping mechanisms. This is a very nuanced topic and Emily and Ashley and not experts in it, but as always their goal is to continue the conversation! IG: BecauseWeWentToTherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

The girls are back to talk about Ashley's pregnancy thus far! As a first-time pregnant person, there's been a huge learning curve and we discuss it all. Pregnancy anxiety and depression, how rough those ten months can be physically and mentally, and figuring out this huge life step in the age of too much information. We go over finding a doctor that coincides with your views and goals, the pressure of social media on parenting and pregnancy, unsolicited advice, and so much more. Thanks for listening & being a part of our journey! Podcast IG: @BecauseWeWentToTherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Emily and Ashley are joined by Lauren Dorman, a registered dietitian, to discuss their stance on diet culture (hint: her IG handle is dont_diet_dietitian_). They discuss her work as a RD and how she helps clients break down diet culture, reduce the stigma around food that we learn from a very young age, and evolving our stance in the face of new research. She mentions many registered dietitians actually have had food struggles themselves or histories of disordered eating behaviors. Through this conversation we talk about learning to respect our bodies, its needs, and our hunger cues. The only way to dismantle diet culture is to continue talking about it. Lauren's IG: @dont_diet_dietitian_ Podcast IG: @BecauseWeWentToTherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ashley and Emily are joined (again!) by Shikha Patel, MSW, LCSW, and Anna Marchese, MSW, MCSW, from Collaborative Insights. At the top of the episode, Shikha discusses cultural trauma at length - what it is as a collective trauma, how you can identify it in your life, and how to navigate how that trauma has affected your life and healing journey. We discuss how cultural trauma varies from other types of trauma, how it is passed down generationally, and how it affects norms, traditions, values, holidays, and more. Shikha discusses how culturagrams are great tools to use as an assessment to identify foundational parts of cultural identity. We then head into a discussion led by Anna, who grew up as a pastor's kid and has a particular interest in religious trauma as a licensed therapist, reiki healer, and yoga instructor. Religious trauma is something that many people experience, and often reflect on in adulthood as they may want to continue spiritual practices in their current lives but are hesitant due to religious trauma in their past. Religious Trauma is a clinical term given by Dr. Marlene Winell to the condition experienced by many who leave an authoritarian indoctrination, where symptoms can be cognitive, emotional, social, and cultural. These are layered topics with a lot of nuance as everyone's experience is unique and valid. Website: https://collabintherapy.com/ IG: collabintherapy Books Mentioned: Permission To Come Home by Jenny Wang https://www.jennywangphd.com/new-page Educated by Tara Westover https://tarawestover.com/book --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We're back! Em & Ash have a chat to discuss their short hiatus, what has been going on in their worlds, and what's next for the podcast. Some very exciting life updates are included, and the direction for this next season of the pod is discussed. Thanks for hanging in there with us, we're glad to be back! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ash & Em chat about how to align your habits and goals with your values so that they make sense for you. They discuss how to and why it is important to stay consistent with your habits. They discuss how to start slow and build upon habits, how to pick back up after being sick or traveling, how important it is to rest and take breaks, and does it really take 10,000 hours to become an expert at any subject? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In a very vulnerable episode, Emily and Ashley discuss how to know if you're in an unhealthy relationship or engaging in toxic relationship patterns. Emily shares about her long-term college relationship that consisted of toxic behaviors, unhealthy communication, and poor conflict management. They discuss how hard it can be to know if you're in an unhealthy relationship, as well as how hard it can be to reflect and realize you were part of the problem. They discuss how healing going to therapy and being in a healthy relationship can be and encourage anyone in similar situations to seek out support. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Em & Ash are taking it back to basics: how do you get started with therapy? Whether you are returning to therapy after years off or starting new for the first time, they have you covered. They talk about how to find a therapist in your area, finding out if they take your insurance, how to fill out intake forms, and what the heck are the different types of therapy?!  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Cohabitating… what some may call a taboo topic, it is one that should not be and one that should definitely be discussed more. Em & Ash explore living with a significant other and how it can be stressful and really hard at times - which is totally normal! They each share personal tips (many years of trial and error) on how to discuss finances, improve communication, and set boundaries with chores, alone time, and more. They center their discussion on making a space that feels like home for both partners, one where a healthy relationship can thrive. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ash & Em are joined by Angelica Galluzzo of The Revolutionized Mind podcast. Angelica, based near Toronto, details her mental health journey and what inspired her to be a loud mental health advocate. We discuss the differences and similarities between mental healthcare in Canada and the US, the effect that policy changes and human rights issues in the US have on other nations, celebrities and athletes advocating for mental health, and how to be an ally for other women. Also, how do we know when to censor certain words to avoid triggering people? Is there a point where we censor too much and hinder important mental health conversations? Mental Health Resources and How To Help Someone In Crisis - Jack.org (Canadian Charity) Angelica's Podcast - The Revolutionized Mind (available everywhere) Angelica's IG - @therevolutionizedmind Call/Text Suicide and Crisis Lifeline # 988 Please note that difficult topics such as suicide, self-harm, and other topics are discussed throughout this episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ashley and Emily sit down for a different kind of episode then their usual content- they process the events of the last few weeks, including the overturning of Roe v Wade, mass shootings, and police brutality. They discuss why therapy is inherently political, and how this all impacts the mental health field specifically. They share how the constant access to traumatic events affects the nervous system, all while having to continue to work and live as normal. Ashley shares a personal story regarding gun violence. It is a vulnerable episode, forsure. They discuss why it is essential to continue to take care of your own well-being even with during all these horrific events. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

They are back! Emily and Ashley sit down for a solo episode on how your body image can be impacted by the time of the year, where you live, and what the weather is like. The girls discuss what to do when the clothes from last summer don't button anymore. They discuss what to do if you don't feel comfortable wearing a bikini. Is it okay to wear a cover-up and what do you do if you still feel self- conscious? Em & Ash share advice on how they navigate the ups and downs of making peace with their bodies as the years go by & the seasons change. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ash & Em are joined by North Carolina-based therapist Shikha Patel. Shikha offers great insight on her experience with ecotherapy - a way for clients to connect with nature and the outdoors during a therapy session. There are so many benefits to ecotherapy (in addition to being a way to connect with the earth while using evidence-based practices), and the women discuss them all. They also spend time talking about trauma, trauma-focused therapy, and the stigma around men seeking help for their mental health. Shikha's IG: @CollabInTherpay --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We're joined by Ashley's great friends Maddie, Bellé, and Ana (& Sophia!) - the sisters behind @KruegersPlusT1D. 6 out of their 8 siblings have Type 1 Diabetes. With any chronic health conditions comes a certain set of mental health challenges, and the girls talk about everything from being asked weird and often times inappropriate questions about their pumps and diabetes in general, thinking Nick Jonas was going to die in 2011, and the stress that accompanies their diabetes.  IG & Tiktok: @KruegersPlusT1D --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Emily and Ashley are joined by Jenna Overbaugh, a therapist with over 10 years of experience working with clients with OCD, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. We wanted to know all about OCD - when and why it develops, the types of OCD that exist, how to treat it, how common it is - and Jenna delivered! We discuss how much more is known about OCD, how similar OCD and anxiety truly are, how everyone experiences intrusive thoughts, and Jenna shares about her own journey developing OCD postpartum. Jenna's IG: Jenna.Overbaugh Jenna's Podcast: All The Hard Things Our IG: Becausewewenttotherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We are joined by Ayushi Acharya, a Texas-based therapist to talk about attachment theory and styles and how they can affect your relationships - romantic, with friends, and with family. Ayushi has experience in multiple health settings, from the traditional therapist office to the NICU and in-patient psychiatric care. She has a special interest in attachment theory and dives deep into the 4 styles and how your own personal style forms in infancy. Do you wonder why you keep choosing the same type of romantic partners when you just know it will never work out? Maybe you are curious as to why conflict feels familiar in your relationships and you are wondering why you feel or react this way? Your attachment style may have something to do with it.  The girls also talk about Ayushi's experience as a South Asian therapist and navigating cultural and generational differences within family structures. It's important to realize that representation in the mental health field matters, and having a therapist that looks like you and can help you navigate specific issues within your cultural lens. Ayushi's IG: @LoveYourBehavior Ayushi's Website: https://southasiantherapists.org/therapist/ayushi-acharya/ Our IG: @BecauseWeWentToTherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ash & Em are joined by Dr. Menije Boduryan-Turner, AKA The Perfectionism Warrior (IG: Dr.Menije) to talk about perfectionism and how it can manifest in your everyday life. They discuss the signs of perfectionism (it's not just Type A people!), why it develops, and how it can impact our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Perfectionism affects people of all walks of life - parents, students, and immigrants are just some of the populations they discuss. Dr. Menije also provides tips on how to embrace your humanism and move away from the need to be perfect all the time. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Em and Ash discuss body image, including the differences between body positivity and body neutrality. Which one is the best? Should we take tips from each one? We also discuss: • Where body image struggles stem from & how they are passed down • How dieting negatively impacts your body • How language matters when talking about our bodies • Moving your body in ways that feel good for you • How to take the focus off of your body & show up for yourself Disclaimer: Ashley and I acknowledge we exist in straight sized bodies so our experiences will differ from those in larger bodies. IG: becausewewenttotherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

There are how many weddings in 2022?! 2.6 million according to The Knot and one of them is Emilys! Emily shares her engagement story and how wedding planning has been going thus far, including how to manage other people's expectations and judgments. Ashley and Emily discuss finances of being a bride and a bridesmaid. They discuss how to navigate the pressure that can come with each of those roles, including the pressure around body image. Whether you're planning a wedding yourself, are part of a wedding party, or attending a wedding- this episode has something for everyone! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ash and Em dive into a discussion on narcissism, sociopaths, trauma, triggers, and more to debunk what they actually are and if they are being overused in society (spoiler: they are). How common are they, how can you realize if you're being gaslit, and can you determine if someone has a personality disorder without working with a professional? This is a great discussion to break down and educate each other on how to properly use this terminology in everyday life. IG: BecauseWeWentToTherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Emily & Ashley dive into inner child work - what your inner child is, how everyone has one, and how pain and hurt from your childhood and past can follow you for the rest of your life. They share stories about their own inner child work and how therapy can help you overcome manifestations of your wounded inner child - like addictions, anxiety, depression, and more.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week Emily and Ashley interview Kenzie Elizabeth, who is an influencer, podcaster, Youtuber, and more. They discuss her life on and off social media, maintaining boundaries, how she cultivates self- confidence, parasocial relationships, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. IG: KenzieElizabeth --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ashley and Emily are joined by Kayla Morán, a 3L student at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville, podcaster (Let's Get Candid), influencer, and blogger. They discuss bucking societal and cultural norms to create your own path - in Kayla's case, not joining traditional 'big law' and finding her own niche in the law world and in the social media world. They discuss how important it is to prioritize yourself and have a life outside of work. They also touch on how boundaries are transformative, how scary re-starting therapy can feel, and how important is it to have the right people in your circle.   Kayla's Links:  Kaylamoranblog.com IG: @KaylaaaMorann Podcast: Let's Get Candid with Kayla Morán Follow us on IG: @BecauseWeWentToTherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Buckle up- it's a long one because Emily, Ashley, and their BFF Kortney spill allllll the tea about what it's really like to be friends for ten years and how making the transition from college friends to lifers isn't always easy. They talk how the culture of a party school can influence behavior and relationships. They describe each other from one another's POV. They talk about how they dealt with people not liking them, disagreements between themselves, and how their toxic behaviors evolved as the friendship evolved- through vulnerability, adaptability, and secure attachments. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Emily and Ashley discuss feeling "behind" in life - in education, career, relationships, and more. Don't worry though, they determine that it's literally all made up and there is no one “right” way to do life. They each tell their stories on feeling lost in their 20's and how to overcome that feeling and figure out what works best for you. IG: BecauseWeWentToTherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Emily and Ashley are joined by Lahana Vigliano, a board-certified nutritionist and holistic practitioner from Austin, Texas. They discuss how your mental health is affected by your hormones and gut and vice versus, how to manage your hormones with food and movement, and what the heck cycle syncing is. Ashley and Lahana discuss how you can tailor your workouts to your cycle. Also, is it normal to crave carbs and comfort around your period? Spoiler alert- it is!  Note: BecauseWeWentToTherapy is pro- western medicine. Lahana offers alternative approaches to taking care of our health. Please consult a professional before making any drastic changes.  IG: BecauseWeWentToTherapy  Lahana's Website: https://nuvitruwellness.com/ IG: NuvitruWellness --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ashley and Emily are joined by Brittany Wehrle, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD (IG: fueledandwell), an intuitive eating Registered Dietician. They discuss all things diet culture (and why it doesn't work!), fad diets from the 90s - present day, WHY we diet, and how active women and athletes are influenced by diet culture. Brittany helps us learn how to take steps to walk away from diet culture and how to start healing our relationship with food and our bodies. Emily and Brittany also connect on how RDs and therapists can work together to help clients with disordered eating & eating disorders.  Content Warning: Eating disorders are discussed throughout the episode.  Brittany's helpful resources can be found at her website fueledandwell.com & at her IG: fueledandwell! IG: BecauseWeWentToTherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ashley and Emily deep dive into all things self-compassion, what the heck it actually is, and how to integrate it into your everyday life so you can start to practice it and see how it can change your life. Content Warning - we discuss sexual assault and eating disorders from 30:00 - 33:00. Please fast-forward through those timestamps if needed.  Mentions: Actually Curious card game available at ActuallyCurious.com and Amazon  Follow us on IG: BecauseWeWentToTherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Ashley and Emily are joined by their friend Divya Robin (IG: MindMattersWithDiv), a NYC-based therapist with a special interest in relationships and transitions. They discuss how to make authentic connections as an adult, re-shape existing friendships, and the loneliness of experiencing new life transitions by yourself (spoiler alert: you're not alone!).  Divya can be found at DivyaRobin.com and on Instagram as MindMattersWithDiv. She offers amazing free and paid content on emotional regulation, anxiety, boundaries, and more. Make sure to check her out and support her!  Follow us on IG: BecauseWeWentToTherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, Emily and Ashley talk about toxic positivity and how it shows up on social media, at work, and in family relationships. They talk about the importance of embracing your negative emotions and "feeling your feelings" - and how nothing is wrong with that. They also give a shout-out to Team USA and their new mental health protocols for athletes, coaches, and family members. Enjoy! Sources: Team USA take proactive approach on mental health at Beijing Games (Reuters) Follow us on IG: BecauseWeWentToTherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In their second episode, Emily and Ashley ask each other questions ranging from light to serious to help their audience get to know them better. They tackle topics like mental health terminology, routines, how to stay sane, and what their love languages are.  Take a free love language quiz Cheslie Kryst for Allure  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. 800-273-8255 Follow us on IG: BecauseWeWentToTherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Welcome to the "Because We Went to Therapy" podcast! In their first episode, Emily and Ashley introduce themselves and talk about the goals of their new podcast. New episodes drop every Friday.  Add social media links here:  Instagram: @becausewewenttotherapy --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app