Sincerely, Not Okay

Today we are excited to share with you the audio from our virtual panel presented by our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEIJ) Committee.  DEIJ Advisors KorbyQuan Reed and Portialyn Buzzanga moderated a conversation on the Queer and BIPOC experience during and after the pandemic. They are joined by Soraiya Khamisa, LCSW, and Kala Lacy, AMFT + CYT, and James Green, LMFT. The panel focused on the narratives and experiences of Queer folx that also identify as BIPOC and how the pandemic has impacted their lives, where we see hope in 2021, and how clinicians and Acacia can continue to participate in supporting individuals and communities.   Follow Acacia on social media to stay informed on future DEIJ panels!  

Today's episode comes courtesy of MHA interns Michelle and Sydney - students at UCSB. For their capstone passion project, they sat down (virtually) with Juliet Betita an LMFT from our Acacia Isla Vista office. Their conversation centers on the idea of self-love and self-healing. They touch on platonic and romantic relationships, how the pandemic and virtual communication has changed things and embarking on self-love journeys. Definitely not an episode to miss! Thank you to Michelle, Sydney, and Juliet!  

We are joined today by (soon to be Dr.) Quincy Guinadi for a conversation on the international student experience - both from a provider and student perspective. She shares the challenges and joys of studying psychology in a country far from where she grew up in Singapore. We also touch on common misconceptions international students face, her academic journey and dissertation subject, and the lack of research around international student psychology.

Today's episode comes from special guest host Lauren Sugar! Lauren is one of Acacia's Mental Health Advocate interns and a student at UCLA. She is joined today by several of her fellow college students for a conversation on their experiences as students during these difficult times. They talk about coping skills they developed, challenges they faced interacting with professors and employers, and things that have given them joy.   After this round table, Lauren is joined by Acacia provider Jordan Health. She gives her insights on the student's discussion and provides some advice on processing uncertain situations.   Learn more about our MHA program here: https://acaciacw.com/mha/

Kendra Snyder and Kayla Felten of Reclamation Collective join us on the podcast today for a very insightful conversation on mental health and religion. Reclamation Collective is an organization dedicated to holding space for folks navigating religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and reclamation. Topics discussed include the impact of fundamentalism and indoctrination on thought patterns, red flags to look out for in organizations, toxic vulnerability, and setting boundaries with family. Check out the incredible Reclamation Collective organization here. They are based in Minnesota but offer a number of support groups, workshops, and online resources digitally. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook as well! https://www.reclamationcollective.com/ https://www.instagram.com/reclamationcollective/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/reclamationcollective/   

Acacia Westwood provider Mei Ling Acevedo, LCSW joins us for a conversation on the role race, identity, and culture play in the therapeutic process. She talks about how these factors can impact therapy both from a client and therapist standpoint and the importance of sensitivity and inclusion when interacting with clients. She also shares her journey in becoming a therapist, from her background as a stage manager to getting her master's degree in social work in Puerto Rico! Check out Mei's Acacia profile here!

Nick Koontz, LMFT joins us today on the podcast for a great discussion on the intersection of collect athletics, masculinity, and mental health. Nick brings his expertise as a former student-athlete and current therapist for Acacia Telehealth/REACH. We talk about the connection that sports provide and get into an interesting conversation on toxic masculinity and finding identity through athletics.   Check out Nick's bio on the Acacia website here!

We are joined by Angelle Maua, founder of the Gender Phluid Collective. The Gender Phluid collective is a San Diego-based organization dedicated to providing support, resources, and advocacy to the BIPOC LGBTQ+ communities. Angelle founded the Gender Phuild Collective after her son's transition when she noticed the need for BIPOC safe, confidential brave spaces for support in LGBTQIA+ communities of color. Her work mainly focuses on transgender, nonbinary and gender nonconforming communities to help ensure they have spaces to be 100% authentic and affirmed.  Our conversation touches on the founding and mission of the Gender Phluid Collective, barriers to mental health access, and how the Autistic BIPOC LGBTQIA+ community is underserved. LINKS: Support the GPC: Venmo To volunteer, email: thegpcollective@gmail.com  Follow GPC on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Amina Mucciolo, @studiomucci on Instagram. She's a visual artist who is queer, Black, and on the autism spectrum, and an awesome advocate!    

Can you love others without loving yourself? We are joined this week by Rudi Lion, LMFT for a conversation on self-kindness and internal reflection. Rudi (from Episode 14: Un/Healthy Relationships) shares her perspective as a therapist both at Acacia Isla Vista and in private practice. Tune in to learn how your relationship with yourself can impact others! Resources mentioned: The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk M.D. Insight Timer App

Today we discuss the origins and mission of Acacia Roots with Director Andrea Deuring! Acacia Roots provides grants to help low-income students cover insurance co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles, or other financial barriers that prevent them from accessing much-needed services. We want to disrupt inequality and give individuals the tools they need to grow into the people they want to be!   Donate and learn more at acaciacw.com/roots! Join in our October campaign, Life is Wild on Instagram (@acacia_cw) or Facebook (@acaciacw).   Resources discussed Active Minds: https://www.activeminds.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Student-Survey-Infographic.pdf Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/09/16/college-enrollment-down/  

What does it mean to exist as yourself within a pandemic? On this episode, we explore self-actualization, our anxieties, and how we are showing up - all while dealing with a very odd world around us. We are joined by Founder/CEO of the Mind + Body Initiative, Eike Daube, ACSW! Eike discusses her work as a wellness coach and the challenges she's experiencing working with clients through this time.   Check out the Mind + Body Initiative (mindbodyinitiative.org) and on Instagram (instagram.com/mindbody.initiative/). You can join Ekie's community by subscribing here.

How do you go from promising that you will NEVER set foot in a gym to teaching fitness classes? Jamiah Bennett talks about her journey to loving herself and her body through fitness, her experience with mental health, and what it's like to graduate college during a global pandemic. Also discussed are tips for getting started with a movement routine, creators to follow online, and what colleges can do to better serve students in mental health crises. Learn about Jamiah at jamiahbennett.com! Tune into Jamiah's Low-Impact, Full Body Workout, Wellness & Love webinar session here!   Check out Kaisafit and Danielle Gertner (One Minute Wiggle) on Instagram!

Why is it important to tell stories about mental health? Today on the podcast, we're joined by Payal and Ankur Kela of ReLyfe, who talk about their mission to help people share their stories. Topics covered include vulnerability, why friends are the first line of mental health defense, and how important coffee is to the creative process.   Follow Relyfe on Instagram/Facebook @relyfevideos, email contactrelyfe@gmail.com, or visit them online at relyfe.org. Payal, @payalk25 & Ankur, @banenakela.   Resources mentioned in the episode: 'Waking Up' App, https://www.wakingup.com/ 'Mindset' by Carol Dweck, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40745.Mindset Relyfe's Journaling Wellness & Love Webinar w/ Acacia,  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTEBZs8OUMNL4n7pCwRR6jA

Jess Rodriguez, Chief Business Officer of Acacia, is taking over Sincerely, Not Okay for another episode of the Acacia Spotlight, where we highlight the clinicians, staff, and programs that make Acacia what it is today. Today we will be discussing the journey of Jonathan Truong, Acacia's Talent Acquisition Specialist and resident beacon of hope, perseverance, and sunshine! Check out our spotlights at acaciacw.com/blog and watch Jonathan's live on our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTEBZs8OUMNL4n7pCwRR6jA.

She's both a talented yogi and a psychologist, is there anything Dr. Amy Moran can't do? During this episode, we talk about the connection between mind and body, how trauma is affected by practicing yoga, and why belly breathing literally calms your nervous system down.

As the world begins to shift into the new normal, we wanted to take a second to provide some big & small tips to taking on stress, anxiety, grief, and transition during the COVID pandemic. We are joined by Acacia's Creative Director, KorbyQuan Reed! Emotions Wheel 54321 Grounding Exercise

Acacia Reach is a video therapy service for college students and their surrounding communities! We offer weekly individual, couples, and psychiatry services wherever you need it. We are owned by dedicated therapists and psychologists, accept major insurances in California and Minnesota, and are accessible wherever you need us to be! We strive to provide engaging and relatable providers, easy access to our services, and a community to connect and share your journey with. Start your therapy journey with us today! Visit acaciacw.com/reach to learn more and to request an appointment.

What is your first thought when the sound of your alarm goes off in the morning? Mine is “not already!” During my college years, I’d drowsily hit the snooze button desperately hoping for a few more moments of blissful slumber, only to repeat this unpleasant process until I HAD to get up. Thus, the “Lazy Yogini’s Guide to Morning Meditation” was born. Check out acaciacw.com/blog for Danielle's full article!

What is sex therapy? How do you know if you need it? Hear Abby Hansen, LPCC, and Calvin Hauer, LMFT, talk about their work with sex in therapy.  Resources and reading materials mentioned: Charlie Glickman http://new.charlieglickman.com/blog/  Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski, PhD Esther Perel https://www.estherperel.com/  The Smitten Kitten in Minnesota https://www.smittenkittenonline.com/ 

Soraiya Khamisa, LCSW, Director of Acacia La Jolla is taking over the Sincerely, Not Okay podcast to introduce our first ever podcast version of the Acacia Spotlight, where we highlight the clinicians, staff, and programs that make Acacia what it is today. This September we are highlighting one of our wonderful Co-owners, Dr. Keith Higginbotham. Check out more Spotlights at acaciacw.com/blog.

What does mental health have to do with fantasy role-playing games? Acacia La Jolla's therapist Micah Caldwell (Neuro Transmissions - YouTube channel) joins us to talk about Dungeons & Dragons in a therapeutic setting and in his personal life. Hear us talk about how nerdy spaces have embraced mental health awareness, the benefits of slaying dragons with friends on a weekly basis, and how therapists are using role-playing games with clients.

Whether romantic or platonic relationships, there are things that must be addressed in order to maintain them as healthy. Rudi Lion, MFT, answers questions from Acacia Isla Vista's Mental Health Advocate interns Katie, Molly, and Yvette, as they see what it takes to start opening your eyes to the unhealthy elements of relationships and to instead start building self-worth.

"What does mental health mean to you?" Therapists and staff at Acacia Minneapolis answer this question for Mental Health Awareness Month.

We are joined by Andrea Deuring, therapist in Acacia Minneapolis, to discuss her therapeutic lens of biopsychosocial. When working with her clients, Andrea sees that all parts of the person are important to understanding and providing a base for growth.

What is intersectional identity? Therapist and Site Director of Acacia La Jolla Soraiya Khamisa talks about what it means and why it’s important to honor all of our identities in therapy. Join our conversation about discovering our own identities, finding a therapist that will work for you, and why saying someone is a “special snowflake” is actually a good thing.

Three therapists share their experiences of working with trauma in the therapy room. Listen in to a special episode of the Sincerely Not Okay Podcast, led by University of Minnesota psychology professor Dr. Kelli Howard and therapist Kelsey Sorensen, MA.

The therapy space can be filled with new experiences and understandings between the therapist and the client and in some cases, with a therapy animal as well. We are joined by Ashley Groshek, LMFT, and Service Dog Jenga as we discuss the intricacies, benefits, and pressures that come with having a companion for therapeutic reasons.

Often the words “addicted” and “internet” are put together to describe teenagers on their phone or a young adult who is overly dedicated to their Instagram, but there is more to it. I’m joined by Keenan, an Acacia Graduate Intern, as we dive into internet addiction and where the disconnect lies.

Shame - that incredibly powerful voice in our heads that tells us it’s not okay to be who we are. Acacia therapist Marlee Dorsey, LPC, joins us on this week’s episode to talk about it. Where does shame come from? Why is it so powerful? And most importantly, what can we do about it?

What is mindfulness? Acacia psychologist Dr. Ross Gubrud, PhD, talks about the basics of mindfulness, how to become more aware of your emotions, and how meditation helped him on his own mental health journey. Learn about how to start your own mindfulness practice, who John Kabat-Zinn is, why you should care, and what word the Dalai Lama had trouble understanding. 

We are joined by Hannah Boldt, MA, to discuss what it means to be compassionate towards yourself, stepping away from the self-criticism, all without being self-indulgent. Show yourself some self-love and tune in! 

Stress, it's what we all can feel whether you are in high school or college, graduate school or in the real world! Buckle up and listen to our episode on how to tackle stress, especially if you are going through finals!

We are back with Ian Tsang, MA, a community counselor. We discuss self-care and why it feels next to impossible for those that are seeking it. Tune in and brainstorm some self-care activities with us.

This week we are joined by LAMFT Therapist Kelsey Thomas. She brings a unique and often inspiring perspective to getting to know yourself and most importantly, holding yourself there.

Taking the first steps can sometimes be the toughest part of seeking help. Maddie and Korby explore the ups and downs, the many resources, and how to navigate them. If you're not ready to talk about it, that's okay, just listen.