Beyond the Therapy Session

In this insightful episode, hosts Robin and George engage in an illuminating conversation with therapist Josh Hahn, delving into the intricate dynamics of cultivating a trusting and empathetic environment in the realm of virtual therapy. As the trio explores the nuances between building therapeutic rapport in face-to-face encounters versus virtual spaces, the discussion takes a deep dive into the fundamental elements of fostering trust, active listening, and vulnerability. For mental health practitioners navigating this transition, this episode serves as a guiding compass. Josh Hahn unpacks the challenges and opportunities encountered when bridging the gap between in-person and virtual therapy. Listen now to go beyond. Learn more about sohomd at www.sohomd.com

Are you considering a change of career into the mental health field? Valerie Ziel's career started in Corporate America where she stayed for almost 30 years until she decided to go to college. She is a lifelong New Yorker and artist who now works at SohoMD as a Psychotherapist. Her unique and unforgettable story brings you through the highs and lows of transitioning careers and how it all comes together to help inform her clinical practice. Her biggest piece of advice is... Well we will let you hear it yourself. Listen now to go beyond.

What is like to work at an online mental health practice? Senior HR Generalist, aka our Chief Happiness Officer Antionette Brown, joins Robin and George to talk work culture at SohoMD. They talk about it all. From building a happy culture to success stories. Stay tuned until the end to hear some guidance from Antionette on maintaining well-being in the workplace. Listen now to go beyond.

In this episode of Beyond the Therapy Session, George and Robin welcome Millie Joseph. Millie works at SohoMD as one of our lead care coordinators but has a history in the modeling world. Together, they talk about body shaming in relation to mental health. They also talk about the impact of social media on body image and how even stars like Selena Gomez are affected by it. Listen now to go beyond.

George and Robin welcome guest Kelly Porter in this episode of Beyond the Therapy Session. Together they talk about the importance of body image and mental health. What does a positive vs. negative body image look like? What is body neutrality and what can that do for us? They reveal the associations between social media, doom scrolling, risk factors, diet culture, childhood development of eating disorders, and more. Listen now to go beyond.

In this episode of Beyond the Therapy Session, Robin and George chat about Orthorexia Nervosa, a form of disordered eating that is on the rise. Together they discuss warning signs, symptoms, and how these can manifest. Robin also gives insight into different treatment options for those experiencing Orthorexia Nervosa. Listen now to learn more.

In this episode of Beyond the Therapy Session, Robin and George meet with SohoMD co-founder and practicing psychiatrist Dr. Jacques Jospitre, and practicing Naturopath and published author Dr. Peter Bongiorno. Together they will chat about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) its causes, triggers, and symptoms. We will receive clarity on SAD, other depressive disorders, and how it's linked to our everyday actions. Lastly, we will learn how vitamins, nutrition, and other treatment options can support those experiencing SAD. Listen now to learn more.

In this episode, Robin and George chat with Olivia Sterling, one of SohoMD's licensed clinical social workers, about cultural competency and sensitivity.  Olivia describes herself as “an Afro-Latina therapist who specializes in providing culturally-sensitive, holistic therapy across diverse populations.”  She gives her perspective on the roles of cultural competency when working with people of color processing trauma, anxiety, and other concerns.  Having lived in all 5 boroughs of New York City, Olivia is well-versed in navigating intersectionality.  This impacts her practice and the ways she shows up for her clients.  The group discusses the complexities of intersectionality as they come up in therapy. Her view on approaching therapy as a way to protect one's community is a refreshing take on the adage “it takes a village to bring up a child.” George and Olivia talk about breaking the stigma around therapy in BIPOC communities and how Gen Z is evolving the country's views on mental health care.  Robin and Olivia discuss handling trauma triggers in therapy.  Olivia also offers advice for all therapists on exercising curiosity and acknowledging racial dynamics in the therapeutic connection.  Olivia's also provides some advice for patients who need help figuring out whether a new therapist is a good fit. 

In this episode, Robin and George talk about how CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). They discuss the impact of automatic negative thoughts, which are disruptive and prevent one from reaching their goals. They discuss the genesis of these intrusive thoughts, how they affect one's life and become habits. Robin and George also discuss some tips, which allow one to identify automatic thoughts such as keeping a journal or a thought log.

In this episode Erin says goodbye to SohoMD as she transitions on a different life path. George and Erin candidly talk about their adventures at SohoMD and their experience hosting this podcast. They introduce Robin Kempner, George's new Co-host. Robin is SohoMD's Behavioral Health Director and is no a stranger to the show, she is actually the most frequent guest. To George, Erin's departure is bitter sweet, as he wishes farewell and looks forward to his bright future hosting the show with Robin.

In this episode, Erin and George have an insightful conversation about mindfulness. They discuss the different definitions of this practice, which can be resumed to the ability to “fully be present”. They also touch on the many ways and techniques to practice mindfulness and its benefits. They share their own experience regarding this amazing practice and they both agree that it is life changing.

In today's episode of Beyond the Therapy Session, George and Erin discuss the topic of anxiety. They define anxiety as per the DSM ( Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and distinguish between generalized anxiety, panic attacks, panic disorders and stress. Erin establishes the identifying symptoms of each, the possible causes of anxiety and what happens when it goes untreated. This episode also covers tools for experiencing relief from anxiety, how to be an appropriate support to a loved one and the role of medication in anxiety management.

In order to honor “National Couple Appreciation Month”,  (April),  Erin and George converse with Susan Milstein, PHD who is a Human sexuality Education and Certified Health Education Specialist.  Some of the topics they explore include:  Why is there no such thing as ‘should' “when it comes to sex The nuances between sex and intimacy The importance of changing the script and to keep dating  How couple can reengage by leveraging sex-play Sex and technology

In this episode, Erin and George talk with the Robin Kempner, SohoMD's Behavioral Health Director. They have an illuminating conversation about trauma, which is not limited to Post Traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD). Robin provides a comprehensive explanation of what trauma is and clarifies the difference between Big “T” and Little “t”. She provide great insight into the non talk therapy methods EMDR, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and EFT, emotional freedom technique as well as the importance of trauma informed care.

In this episode Erin and George have a fun conversation with the psychiatric nurse practitioner Amaka Orji, who is also an artist. This is in fact a reunion between friends and colleagues reminiscing about the good old days. Amaka shares that she uses her sense of humor within her practice when it is appropriate and how she intends to use her psychiatry nursing background in her script writing. She gives Erin and George a lesson on improv and talks about the production of the comedy short film, in which she stars, Hot Date.

I In this episode Erin and George have a profound discussion with the naturopathic doctor, author, lecturer Dr. Peter Bongiorno, and the psychiatrist and co-founder of SohoMD Dr. Jacques Jospitre jr.. The two doctors speak about the relationship between naturopathic and allopathic medicine and how they complement each other. They emphasize the importance of uncovering the underlying causes of diseases when treating patients and insist on looking at the many aspects of an individual's life in order to provide the best suited treatments. They conclude that the overall projection of a healing journey is to achieve mental clarity so that one may achieve their dream.

In this episode, Erin and George have a candid conversation with SohoMD's HR Director, Caroline DeFreitas. Caroline recounted her early days at SohoMD when only the three of them, her and the doctors (Dr. Jospitre and Dr. Ratush), worked in the Soho office. Caroline discusses the importance of personal mental health and employees' mental health. She talks about who inspires her confidence, the importance of fueling yourself with kind words, helpful HR tools, and tips.

In this episode Erin and George converse with Dr. Edward Ratush, one of the founders of SohoMD to talk about sex.  Dr. Ratush talks about the main reason why he specialized in sex therapy. He goes into details about the complex layers a person sex life and touches upon viagra, pornography and intimacy. The discourse ends with fun dose of fact or fiction game.

In this short episode, Erin and George wish their listeners Happy New Year 2022! They also share some insights as to what is in store for the second season of Beyond the Therapy Session podcast…

In this episode George and Erin have a retrospective on the first six episodes of their Podcast, Beyond the Therapy Session.  They talk about the genesis of the show, their experience behind the scene and why they enjoy being the host of this podcast. They also discuss and reflect on each episode,  providing a description of the subject or context and highlighting key moments from the conversation.  Erin and George also discuss their dynamic as co-host and the future of the show.  

In this episode Erin and George talk to Dr. Uma Naidoo, the author of  “This is Your Brain on Food”.  Dr. Naidoo is a Harvard trained psychiatrist, who studied nutrition and also is a professional chef.  During this fascinating conversation Dr. Naidoo talks about her journey of integrating psychiatry and nutrition and the art of cooking into her nutritional psychiatry practice.  One of the focus of her discussion with Erin and George is the importance of the brain, gut connection in relations to mental health. She provides insight into the relationship between these two organs and their chemical messaging via the vagus nerve, which she calls “the two way super highway”. 

In this episode Erin and George talk  about the importance of sleep and the many elements that might affect the sleep cycle.  George reveals the tricks he employs to fall asleep, form taking a long cold shower to counting sheep.  Erin on the other hand explores the many elements  that affects falling asleep as well as the deep sleep phases.  We learn  about the effects of drinking a glass of wine before going to bed and the ideal room temperature favorable to a good night of sleep.

In this episode Erin and George meet with Dr. Catherine Birndorf, founder of the Motherhood Center in New York City, a hub for perinatal mental health. During this insightful conversation Dr. Birndorf recounts the evolution of this subspecialty within the psychiatry field, which relies heavily international collaborations.  She talks with Erin and George about the intricacies of  reproductive psychiatry, the questions it tries to answer, which are still considered taboo topics. Erin and George also uncovered her passion for family and friends as well as playing double tennis on weekends.

Erin and George meet with their colleague Tenisha, a NP supervisor at SohoMD to talk about the reopening of New York City and the rest of the U.S. after months of restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. An emphasis is placed on the different behaviors and thoughts surrounding the next phase of the “new normal” from the point of view of an introvert as well as an extrovert. The main take away is that each individual must exercise what feels good and honor their own pace.

In this episode Erin and George honor Mental Health Month, (the month of May). With the help of four of their colleagues, Robin, Jonathan, Max and Caroline, they answer the question, “What does mental health mean to you?”  Erin and George discuss the perspectives offered by these four voices and even though different, uncover common threads. They also dive into the interesting idea that this colossal question evokes, mental health maintenance.

In this first episode Erin and George converse with SohoMD's founders, Dr. Jacques Jospitre and Dr. Edward Ratush.  The  founders give insight on how they met and elaborate on their reason for establishing SohoMD.  Erin and George receive insights into the Doctors' philosophy and perspectives on psychiatry and therapy.  This first episode is all about the Dr. Jospitre and Dr. Ratush fiery dynamic and to top it all off, a “Rapid Fire Game” at the end.

Join Erin Delaney, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and George Suarez, a call Center Manager from SohoMD, lift the veil on Mental health care and take you Beyond The Therapy Session