Moments of Authenticity

Summary: In part IV of Moments of Authenticity, I dive into my diabetes diagnosis and the feelings that arose with it. I entered into a state of depression coupled with disappointment after my diagnosis, which only intensified after learning about the 20k price tag for bariatric surgery. Through research and support groups, I gathered the knowledge and confidence to pursue what was in my best interest – my health. Quote: “I've seen how it's impacted everybody's lives that have been dealing with diabetes and I told myself ‘I want to break the cycle'” Timestamps: [00:27] My Bariatric Journey: Part IV [02:17] Feelings of discouragement [03:08] Surgery centers in Mexico [04:21] Diagnosed with diabetes [07:28] Choosing a bariatric center [10:01] Fearful of surgery [12:40] Changes in diet [15:34] Interact through social media [16:25] Outro Learn more about the Bariatric Support Group here Find the Preparing for Your Bariatric Journey workbook here Music by: Noir Et Blanc Vie Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook | Website

Summary: In this episode of Moments of Authenticity, I get into part III of My Bariatric Journey. Moving back to California meant starting a real job in my field for the first time. Although my mind was ready to make changes to my body, my unpredictable schedule made planning meals ahead of time difficult to manage. After transitioning into working full time, I made the jump into private practice and moved to Houston. Here was where the doctor suggested bariatric surgery - with that news came a bruised ego and feelings of discouragement. Quote: “I was able to start naming behaviors and honoring my experiences that contributed to what was going on and it supported my thinking around the biopsychosocial model” Timestamps: [00:00] My Bariatric Journey: Part III [02:02] Transition from student to working full time [03:23] Working for a community mental health program [05:02] Becoming neglectful of my body [08:38] Going to private practice [10:40] Proposing bariatric surgery [13:27] Gastric bypass vs gastric sleeve [14:30] Outro Learn more about the Bariatric Support Group here Find the Preparing for Your Bariatric Journey workbook here Music by: Noir Et Blanc Vie Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook | Website

Summary: In part II of My Bariatric Journey, I want to take a step back go through pivotal moments that led to my decision to go through with the surgery. During my time at Syracuse University, I managed to lose 50lbs with the support of friends, dietary restrictions, and discipline. However, moving back to California meant falling back into old habits, which would end up being the detriment to my weight loss journey. Quote: “It's not always about the intent, it's the impact” Timestamps: [00:00] My Bariatric Journey: Part II [01:42] Feeling conflicted in the body [04:00] Overindulging [05:49] Adverse reaction to Bariatric suggestions [07:20] Syracuse University [10:01] Communal with food [12:03] Entering my fitness journey [14:00] Moving back to California [15:02] Falling back into old habits [17:18] Outro Learn more about the Bariatric Support Group here Find the Preparing for Your Bariatric Journey workbook here Music by: Noir Et Blanc Vie Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook | Website

Summary: In this episode of Moments of Authenticity, I invite you on my bariatric journey. Eating has always been a contributing factor to how I dealt with emotions, celebrated, grieved, and communed with others. Growing up, my weight was regularly a topic of conversation in one way or another, and although there was no malicious intent, the feeling of shame and guilt consumed me. After years of fad diets and semi-successful weight loss attempts, I finally arrived at bariatric surgery – this is part one of four of that journey. Quote: “Food became a coping mechanism to [combat] some of the really big feelings that I was having.” Timestamps: [00:00] My Bariatric Journey: Part I [02:11] My experience with weight [04:35] Trouble addressing emotions [07:02] Covering up to hide my size [09:00] Following fad diets [12:50] Preyed on as a minor [14:45] Pushing yourself to eat more [16:39] Introducing bariatric surgery as a possibility [17:25] Outro Learn more about the Bariatric Support Group here Find the Preparing for Your Bariatric Journey workbook here Music by: Noir Et Blanc Vie Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook | Website

Summary: Welcome back to Moments of Authenticity, and thank you for joining me as we transition into the New Year. 2020 was a year of uncertainty and growth which allowed 2021 to be a year of intentions and accomplishments. In this episode, I reflect on all the achievements I have met and exceeded, but most importantly, I contemplate on goals that remain unfinished. I take this time to understand where I fell short and use that energy to set intentions for the New Year with grace and love. Quote: “Be accountable to what's going on, but also [ask yourself] how do give yourself grace the same way you might give grace to a person outside of yourself?” Timestamps: [00:55] Transitioning into The New Year [02:00] 2020: A year of uncertainty [03:04] Accomplishments in 2021 [06:18] Starting a bariatric support group [08:01] Workbook: Preparing for your bariatric journey [08:51] Processing accomplishments of 2021 [10:33] Reflecting on unfinished goals [12:11] Setting intentions for the new year [14:13] Using time and energy to engage [15:06] How do you provide yourself with grace? [16:53] Outro Learn more about the Bariatric Support Group here Find the “Preparing for Your Bariatric Journey” workbook here Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook | Website

SUMMARY: On this episode of Moments of Authenticity, I speak on the significance of stepping out of your comfort zone. Neale Donald Walsch once said, “life begins at the end of your comfort zone” and this especially rings true for people who find may find solace in routine. Although there is nothing wrong with structure and routine, we'll never know what lies on the other side if we're not willing to break the monotony of life every once in a while. The objective here is to make space to add variety because change is inevitable. TIMESTAMPS: [00:49] Stepping out of your comfort zone [01:23] “Life Begins at the End of your Comfort Zone” – Neale Donald Walsch [03:47] Staying in the know makes things easier to predict [05:00] Change is the most common and consistent thing [05:41] What does it look like to step outside [07:18] Make space to add more variety [08:31] Doing anything new takes time and practice Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook

Summary: Welcome back to Moments of Authenticity. We've made it a whole year, and I would like to thank each and every one of you for lending me your time and ears. For this episode, I'd like to recap on a few of my most popular episodes and give you the opportunity to give some suggestions on what you wish there to be covered for our second year of the podcast. Timestamps: [00:42] 1 year anniversary [01:41] Appreciation [02:47] Love from across the world [05:08] Pivoting [06:68] Emotional addiction and trauma bonding episode [07:44] Externalizing your inner saboteur [09:03] Doing too much [09:38] Second anniversary of the practice [10:26] What's next? Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook | Website

Summary: In this installment of Moments of Authenticity, I share with you the notion of planting your seeds and watching them harvest. Planting a seed doesn't have to mean you're setting a goal but rather an intention. Ask yourself if you are meeting the desires of your heart, and if not, I invite you to dig deeper and discover what needs to be let go in order to shift your focus. Timestamps: [00:51] Planting seeds and watching the harvest grow [02:34] Review the intentions you set out [04:38] Figuring out what makes your heart smile [05:52] Figuring out a routine [07:22] Changing the focus [09:07] What do you need to let go of? [11:24] Increase tools to limit stressors [12:00] Why is this deserved? **"Preparing for Bariatric Surgery" group will be available October 2nd and if you are interested or knows someone who might be, please feel free to email me and we can discuss the logistics! Thank you in advance!** Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook | Website

Summary: In this episode of Moments of Authenticity, I celebrate the two-year anniversary of my practice, Healing Through Authenticity. I reveal the fear of success that almost kept me from pursuing this journey; I discuss how I overcame my inner saboteur and why I didn't allow other people's insecurities to internalize. Timestamps: [00:36] 2-year anniversary of Healing Through Authenticity [02:12] Business coaching through the Dope Therapist Academy [03:30] Mindset shift of becoming a business owner [06:06] Things I wish I knew [07:10] Don't limit yourself [09:12] Fear can be a motivator [10:41] Don't repel opportunities [12:01] Pushing aside your inner saboteur [14:07] Scarcity mindset [15:14] What's next to come [16:43] Getting more training [18:23] Creating apparel *"Preparing for Bariatric Surgery" group will be available October 2nd and if you are interested or knows someone who might be, please feel free to email me and we can discuss the logistics! Thank you in advance!** Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook | Website

SUMMARY: Today on Moments of Authenticity, I dive into the phrase DTM, doing too much. Having a tendency of taking on too much can be a direct result of your worth being dependent on productivity. Working hard because of a scarcity mindset can be detrimental to your growth and in this episode, I will show how to break these tendencies so you can embrace the life experiences that come your way. TIMESTAMPS: [00:41] DTM – Doing Too Much [01:51] Having a tendency of taking on too much [04:29] Your worth being attached to productivity [05:20] Working extra hard to not be in the scarcity mindset [06:00] The tendency to compare ourselves to others [07:38] Take in the experiences Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook

SUMMARY: Today on Moments of Authenticity I share with you a question that was asked to me that has now become my favorite to answer; where does your heart call to? There was a point in time where I was in a place I had so desperately prayed for and once it became reality, I couldn't help but feel incomplete. As if what I thought I wanted was never truly my own purpose. On this episode I guide you through how to find solace and clarity by asking yourselves questions that breed honesty and reflection. TIMESTAMPS: [00:37] Where does your heart call to? [02:11] Favorite questions to be asked [03:01] Finding solace and clarity [05:48] Choosing things out of a sense of obligations [06:51] What are the basis of your decisions [09:17] Tapping into your own tools [11:23] Look within and externally for additional support RELATED SOURCES*: - Therapy for Black Girls - Black Female Therapists - Melanin and Mental Health - National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color - Inclusive Therapists - Therapists of Color - Latinx Therapy - Therapy in Color - Therapy for Black Men - Therapy For QPOC *You can find a more extensive list of resources on my social media page @HealingThroughAuthenticity Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

SUMMARY: Today on Moments of Authenticity I share with you an issue I have dealt with myself, which is getting in my own way. The habit of being your own barrier is a common occurrence and the only way to overcome it is by taking a step back to analyze and take action. On this episode, I will guide you through the steps you can take to separate other people's suggestions from your own goals and create a roadmap that best suits your pace and comfort. TIMESTAMPS: [00:37] Getting out of your (my) own way [01:37] The habit of being your own barrier [03:21] Other folks making suggestions on your life [05:38] Taking a step back to analyze [07:12] Fear of disappointing yourself or others [07:25] What would it take to feel comfortable [07:54] Taking action! Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

SUMMARY: Today on Moments of Authenticity, I speak on externalizing your inner saboteur. So often we find ourselves being our own worst enemy and as a result, we give our inner negative voice agency over our inner positive voice. On this episode, my goal is to help you acknowledge the negative voice within without allowing it to take over all while bringing to the forefront your positive thoughts. TIMESTAMPS: [00:41] Externalizing the inner saboteur [01:33] Acknowledging the negative voice within [04:24] What is it saying and what is it doing for you [06:21] Externalizing the voice [08:28] Allowing your personal internal thoughts to take hold [11:37] Be the change Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

SUMMARY: Today on Moments of Authenticity I expand more on the topic of trauma bonding, which I had mentioned in the previous episode. Trauma bonding is when we normalize the behaviors of someone who is causing harm. These bonds can be formed with the intention of a secure connection but if we seek relationships as a necessity in order to fulfill emotional needs, then this can create a breeding ground for abusers. For this episode, my goal is to help you recognize unhealthy attachments and pay attention to relationship patterns so you can once and for all break the cycle of abuse and make space for yourself. TIMESTAMPS: [00:48] What is trauma bonding [01:47] “Connecting” with people through trauma [03:03] Unhealthy attachments [04:11] Fulfilling emotional needs [07:28] Safeguards to put in place [09:31] Making space for yourself Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram | Facebook

Today we discuss the topic of EMOTIONAL ADDICTION: I discuss: The predisposition of addiction Types of love Releasing self from cycles The manifestation of the things that you would LIKE to see Thank you for tuning in and I look forward to our ongoing conversations! -Amber Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram: @HealingThroughAuthenticty | Facebook: facebook.com/HealingThroughAuthenticity --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today we discuss the topic of IDENTIFYING YOURSELF FOR YOURSELF: I discuss: What exactly does identifying yourself FOR yourself mean? How and why it's a challenging concept How to create and increase self-advocacy to NAME yourself Thank you for tuning in and I look forward to our ongoing conversations! -Amber Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram: @HealingThroughAuthenticty | Facebook: facebook.com/HealingThroughAuthenticity

Today we discuss the topic of THE HUSTLE OF (IM)PERFECTION: I discuss: Perfectionism is a HUSTLE! Other folx get to benefit from said hustle How to manage perfectionism: DONE IS BETTER THAN PERFECT! Thank you for tuning in and I look forward to our ongoing conversations! -Amber Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram: @HealingThroughAuthenticty | Facebook: facebook.com/HealingThroughAuthenticity

Today we discuss the topic of PIVOTING: I discuss: The reference that I got pivoting from: basketball! Discussing the difficulty with change Adjusting to said change Thank you for tuning in and I look forward to our ongoing conversations! -Amber Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram: @HealingThroughAuthenticty | Facebook: facebook.com/HealingThroughAuthenticity --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today we discuss the topic of MANIFESTATION: setting your mind, intentions, and positive affirmation on something that you want to see come to fruition. I discuss: Virgo Szn (my personal favorite time to set goals/manifestations) Taking time to think out what you want to see Power of visualizing and shifting Believing in yourself Thank you for tuning in and I look forward to our ongoing conversations! -Amber Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram: @HealingThroughAuthenticty | Facebook: facebook.com/HealingThroughAuthenticity --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Today, I introduce my podcast, MOMENTS OF AUTHENTICITY to the world! The hope is to reach a wider audience with the conversations that I have with my clients, colleagues, and friends, on topics that we are exploring for ourselves and with each other! Your presence and thoughts are appreciated, as we continue to explore the impacts of living our lives in the most authentic way possible. Thank you for tuning in and I look forward to our ongoing conversations! -Amber Music by: Patrick Patrikikos Moments of Authenticity Email: amber@amberboydtherapy.com | Instagram: @HealingThroughAuthenticty | Facebook: facebook.com/HealingThroughAuthenticity --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app