Striving Minds Network

Curious to know the purpose  of SHE IS? When asked to speak at a Domestic Violence Event, our host Esther V. Toribio wrote SHE IS. SHE IS. is an original spoken word based on Esther's darkest life experiences. Before acknowledging her role as a mental health professional, Esther knows she's human first and in order to connect with her audience, she must first be vulnerable. Esther believes nothing in life is ever wasted. Because of these narratives, Esther has been able to use her voice as a beacon of light to encourage others that they too, are not alone on this journey. Stimulate, touch, sense by embracing sex/intimacy, sexuality, sexual health and wellness on Striving Minds SZN II, SHE IS. Let's normalize talking about all things S-E-X.   **Triggering topics and statistics mentioned on this episode**

The relationship we have with our bodies is one of nurture, love, sex, spirituality, intimacy, sensuality, and pleasure. However, how may one connect with themselves and/or their partner after sexual and/or intergenerational trauma? On today's episode, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Cynthia Flores teaches us how to explore and navigate through sacred intimacy and sexuality.    **In furthering our discussion, Cynthia recommends discovering our love languages as singles or in romantic relationships. Take the quiz today: The Five Love Languages. Vagina owners, we welcome you to selflessly explore by reading Come As You Are, By Dr. Emily Nagoski.** 

Ladies, have you ever explored your naked body in front of the mirror? How about down there?  Then this episode is for your wether you answered yes, no, or maybe. Esther and  Denisse Max, who is known for her positive words of encouragement, engage in a late-night talk discussing sexual abuse, partner and solo-sex, bedroom cum-munication v. sexpectations, sexual orientation,  and sexually exploring the very bodies God created.  **Please note both Dennise and Esther mention the Triune God (Father,Son, and Holy Spirit) among other areas of spirituality**

Two #latinas, two narratives, two perspectives on love, sex and virginity. On today’s episode, Fiorella from The Fio Effect Podcast and I share our experiences on “loosing our virginity.” We discuss #purityculture, our relationship with God, masturbation, and the importance of consent and communication in relationships. Tune in for some raw and real content! #spotify #applepodcast #podbean || #humansexuality #femalesexuality #virginity #sexpositiveculture #relationships #story #testimony #sextherapy #sextherapytraining #counseling #southflorida #miami #marriage #divorce #partnership #sexeducation #christianity #podcast #miamipodcast #strivewithesther

What is Pelvic Floor? This is the same question I had getting into this conversation.  On our first episode of SZN II, SHE IS SERIES, I invited the guru herself, Alyssa Hariprashad, to share with us all things painful intercourse, kegal exercises, dilators, and the advantages of keeping our pelvic floor in shape.   

On this episode, I open up the dialogue and speak with Clinical Psychologist and Self-Growth Coach, Host of PsychTalk, Dr. Jessica Leigh, PhD. Our conversation begins with Dr. Jessica's early life as a teenager in therapy after a family member's death by suicide. Additionally, Dr. Jessica shares her passion working with the LGBTQ youth and later provides some helpful tools on how to practice self-compassion.    Book Recommendations: Self-Compassion Step-By-Step by Kristen Neff, PhD  

On this episode, Esther invites Ms. Kalima Jackson-Wills from Serenity Mental Health Services in Orlando to discuss the inner self's work among grief and loss. Kalima shares her experiences as an African American  and how she was exposed to family members coping with their mental health by way of substance use. This episode all around has great nuggets of knowledge and wisdom. For Kay's services visit, www.serenitymhc.com 

On this episode, Esther invites Melinda DeSeta, LMHC of Insight Counseling Center. Due to Covid19, couples in quarantine may be feeling some type of way. Melinda shares her knowledge in working with millennials and couples altogether. She discusses the meaning of protective walls, vulnerability, and provides insight on how couples can maintain healthy intimacy while being in the same house 24/7. For more information, feel free to visit www.insight-miami.com

Among the recent changes the world currently faces due to COVID19, Esther engages in a conversation with Dr. Tania Paredes. Dr. Tania Paredes talks about grief, loss, and pregnancy and how COVID19 impacts all of these areas on today's episode. Delicate topics are covered - listen with caution. To learn more about Dr. Paredes' line of work, visit: www.taniaparedes.com

Esther invites Genesis Games, LMHC of Miami, Florida.  On this episode, Ms. Games takes us into the whole world of Modern Day Break-Ups from attachment styles to recovering from heartbreak. To find out more information about Genesis Games, visit www.themiamitherapist.com

Esther invites Dr. Kayla Marmaros, PhD, MS, LMHC of Pillar Mind and Behavior, Coral Gables, Florida. Dr. In our day in age, there is stigma around "anxiety." What does anxiety look like in children, adolescent, and adults? Kayla shares knowledge on treating this oftentimes avoided area. For more information on Dr. Marmaros' work, please visit: www.pillarmindandbehavior.com 

Ringing in the new year of 2020, our special guest is Lisa Seid, LMFT of Mindful Life Solutions, LLC located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lisa Seid shares her knowledge of the differences between PTSD and CPTSD among generational trauma. You may find more information on Ms. Seid and her work here: https://www.mindfullifesolutionsllc.com/

Esther welcomes Janet Bayramyan, LCSW of Road2Wellness in Florida. Janet shares her mental health story and her professional experience as a social worker. This episode touches on delicate topics such as Eating Disorders and Childhood Trauma. Further educational discussion between sex therapy and sex addiction therapy. For more information on Janet's work, feel free to visit: https://road2wellness.co/ 

Esther welcomes her first guest, Jo from South Florida! Jo shares her mental health story relating to postpartum depression.**TRIGGER WARNING**  sensitive topics are discussed during this episode - please listen at your own discretion. For immediate services, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 or dial 911.