Therapists Uncut Podcast

  Nik Young, LMFT, and Alyssa Najera, LCSW, sit down with Jeff Pishney, CEO and Founder of Love Stanislaus County and Love Our Cities. Jeff shares how the initial city-wide volunteer effort, Love Modesto (based in Stanislaus County, California), became the working model for helping over 100 cities create their own city-wide volunteer efforts and year-round initiatives. Tune in to hear more about how Love Stanislaus County and Love Our Cities got started, how city-wide volunteerism is building connections and community, and how to get started in your own city. For practical steps on starting or expanding your city's volunteer efforts, check out Jeff's recent book, Love Our Cities: How a City-Wide Volunteer Day Can Unite and Transform Your Community, co-authored by Eric Jung. Interview with Jeff Pishney “Jeff Pishney is the CEO and Founder of Love Stanislaus County and Love Our Cities. Officially beginning as a non-profit organization in 2014, these city-wide volunteer days and other initiatives have helped over 100 cities and have had over 239,000 volunteers since beginning in 2009. Jeff recognizes that more sustainable solutions are needed beyond volunteer days in order to see our cities thrive. His efforts have evolved to championing ongoing volunteerism, collaboration among leaders and initiating programs for Neighbors, Schools, Kids and Seniors. Jeff grew up in Iowa, went to college and graduate school in Virginia and has been in Modesto, CA since 1995. Prior to being CEO, Jeff was a pastor for almost 20 years. As a college pastor, Jeff started to get a vision for his community. This vision grew when he became the outreach pastor during which Love Modesto began. Jeff and his wife, Karen, have been married for 18 years and have three children. Besides loving his family, Jeff is involved at his children's activities, passionate about justice issues and cheering on his Iowa Hawkeye” (bio from lovestanislauscounty.org). In April 2023, Jeff Pishney and co-author Eric Jung released their book, “Love Our Cities: How a city-wide volunteer day can unite and transform your community.” You can reach Jeff Pishney at: lovestanislauscounty.org loveourcities.org jeff@lovestanislauscounty.org IG @lovestanislauscounty IG @loveourcities     Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Purchase Love Our Cities: How a city-wide volunteer day can unite and transform your community on Amazon. Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nik Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nik keeps it personable and professional. Yet, always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find him squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring him back around to the conversation. Nik is a licensed marriage and family therapist and co-owner of catalystcounselinginc.com, a private practice located in Modesto, CA. Nik is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nik Young at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. She is also a former Child Welfare Services social worker, supervisor, and sexual abuse forensic interviewer. Alyssa Najera is now a consultant supporting teams in high stress or helping professions and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa Najera at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  We are living in an era where social media is embedded throughout our culture. Licensed mental health professionals Nik Young and Alyssa Najera share how social media has evolved and challenge you to examine the role social media plays in your life. Resources mentioned: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nik Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nik keeps it personable and professional. Yet, always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find them squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring Nik back around to the conversation. Nik is a licensed marriage and family therapist and co-owner of catalystcounselinginc.com, a private practice located in Modesto, CA. Nik is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nik Young at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. She  is also a former Child Welfare Services social worker, supervisor, and sexual abuse forensic interviewer. Alyssa Najera is now a consultant supporting teams in high stress or helping professions and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa Najera at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Let the conversations continue as we kickoff season 5. Join licensed mental health professionals Nik Young and Alyssa Najera in this can't-miss bonus episode as they announce some big news for season 5 of the Therapists Uncut Podcast! Resources mentioned: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nik Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nik keeps it personable and professional. Yet, always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find them squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring Nik back around to the conversation. Nik is a licensed marriage and family therapist and co-owner of catalystcounselinginc.com, a private practice located in Modesto, CA. Nik is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nik Young at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. She  is also a former Child Welfare Services social worker, supervisor, and sexual abuse forensic interviewer. Alyssa Najera is now a consultant supporting teams in high stress or helping professions and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa Najera at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Retired San Jose Fire Captain David C. Lerma recounts his experience as one of the thousands of first responders deployed during the 9/11 attacks on the United States, honoring those who served and continue to serve, and remembering those who were lost. Nik Young, Alyssa Najera, and Captain Lerma also discuss the evolving supports available for first responders including access to mental health, debriefing, and peer counseling services.   Interview with Retired San Jose Fire Captain David C. Lerma David Lerma is a retired Captain from San Jose Fire Department (SJFD). David retired in 2009, after serving for 29 years. During this time, David received numerous certificates and commendations, including a Medal of Valor for his service at the World Trade Center attack. David is certified in high and low angle rope rescue, structure collapse and confined space rescue, and is a certified instructor for Rescue Systems One and Swift Water Rescue. David is also a long-standing member of Los Bomberos of Northern CA, a nonprofit organization that strives to improve fire protection to communities throughout Santa Clara County, and is committed to serving the community through volunteer opportunities, partnerships such as Toys for Tots, and scholarship and mentorship programs. David has proudly served his community as a member of Los Bomberos for over 40 years!   Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Los Bomberos of Northern California “We want to serve the community of San Jose with all the support we can give. Whether it is giving backpacks and supplies to kids to help them succeed in their school year or to give children toys that they deserve to open on Christmas morning just like any other child. We want to serve any and better their lives.” ( https://losbomberosofnortherncalifornia.com/, 2023)   Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Episodes  - Therapists Uncut     Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young (they/them/theirs) is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet,  always manages to keep the TU Crew laughing. You may find them squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring them back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in their private practice located in Modesto, CA, and is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, they is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera (she/her/hers) is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounseling.com  or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  A good apology does not blame, it is not passive aggressive, and it does not avoid responsibility. A good apology acknowledges mistakes, takes ownership, has a healthy use of “I Statements,” and is a genuine attempt to changing behavior. A good apology has the power to model effective communication and solid interpersonal skills for those peers, colleagues, partners, or kids experiencing or observing the apology. This episode is all about apologies! Mental health professionals Nik Young and Alyssa Najera share a few ways of how not to apologize and give some solid examples of what a good apology can look like. What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nik Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nik keeps it personable and professional. Yet, always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find them squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring Nik back around to the conversation. Nik is a licensed marriage and family therapist and co-owner of catalystcounselinginc.com, a private practice located in Modesto, CA. Nik is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nik Young at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. She  is also a former Child Welfare Services social worker, supervisor, and sexual abuse forensic interviewer. Alyssa Najera is now a consultant supporting teams in high stress or helping professions and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa Najera at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Returning guest John-David Brown shares his experience of recognizing and navigating the subtleties of homophobia in the corporate workplace, including experiencing sexuality-based microaggressions, gaslighting, and feeling othered. John-David also shares how his ongoing reflection, inner work in therapy, and positive experience in a supportive workplace have helped him understand and process these past experiences, allowing him to focus on learning and growing as a leader in his organization.   Interview with John-David Brown John-David Brown is a 35-year-old technologist living in Los Angeles, where he leads product development for Perry Street Software, makers of queer dating apps SCRUFF and Jack'd. He studied politics at Cornell University and has primarily worked in technology during his professional career. He loves music, traveling, and his cat Governor. You can find John-David Brown on Instagram @johndavidbrown   Resources mentioned: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health.   Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nik Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nik keeps it personable and professional. Yet, always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find them squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring Nik back around to the conversation. Nik is a licensed marriage and family therapist in their private practice located in Modesto, CA, and is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, Nik is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nik Young at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a former Child Welfare Services social worker, supervisor, and sexual abuse forensic interviewer. Alyssa Najera is now a trainer, consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa Najera at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com.   Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut!   Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut   Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

    In this episode, Officer Mitch Brouillette return to the Therapists Uncut Podcast to talk about the various ways issues and topics of mental health have shown up in his 20-year career in law enforcement. The TU Crew covers trends and opportunities in mental health crisis response, the industry shifts and increased awareness of law enforcement mental health, and the professional and peer supports available to support mental health and wellness.  “Officer Mitch,” as he was dubbed during his time as a School Resource Officer (listen to episode 73), has experience as a patrol deputy, detective working in crimes against children, school resource officer, member of the SWAT team, and now a patrol supervisor.   Interview with Officer Mitch Brouillette Mitch is an active veteran law enforcement officer with over 20 years of law enforcement experience. Mitch is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.   He holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from California Coast University and graduated from the Stanislaus County Office of the Sheriff Law Enforcement Training Center. He has worked patrol, investigations (Special Victims / Crimes against children Detective), school resource officer and currently is serving as a patrol Sergeant.   Mitch is an active SWAT Team (15 years) member. His current role is team leader. He has held many different roles as a SWAT Team operator to include; Sniper/ Sniper Team leader, breacher, NFDD (flash bang) and chemical agents.   He is a Chemical Agent Instructor, NFDD (Flash bang) Instructor, ALICE Training Institute certified Active Shooter Response Instructor, Law Enforcement Active Shooter Instructor. Critical Incident response Instructor for CATO (California Association of Tactical Officers).   Mitch is a graduate of CATO's (California Association of Tactical Officers) Strategic Leadership Program. He is currently part of the CATO training cadre and serves as CATO's Vendor Coordinator for the CATO conference. He also holds certification as an NRA Pistol Instructor.   In this episode we talk about: ·       Mental Health Crisis response ·       Opportunities to improve mental health crisis response ·       Resources available to support Law Enforcement mental health and wellness o   Peer Supports o   De-briefs o   Specialized training o   Onsite mental health supports o   EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), Trauma Intervention o   Employee Assistance Program (EAP) o     Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: https://988lifeline.org/   Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nik Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nik keeps it personable and professional. Yet, always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find them squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring Nik back around to the conversation. Nik is a licensed marriage and family therapist in their private practice located in Modesto, CA, and is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, Nik is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nik Young at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a former Child Welfare Services social worker, supervisor, and sexual abuse forensic interviewer. Alyssa Najera is now a trainer, consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa Najera at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria  

  In this episode we talk about: Nik Young and Alyssa Najera explore the disappointments and discomforts of failure, how our past might impact our ability to manage it, and the importance of finding opportunity and lessons amidst the failure. Resources mentioned: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nik Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nik keeps it personable and professional. Yet, always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find them squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring Nik back around to the conversation. Nik is a licensed marriage and family therapist in their private practice located in Modesto, CA, and is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, Nik is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nik Young at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a former Child Welfare Services social worker, supervisor, and sexual abuse forensic interviewer. Alyssa Najera is now a trainer, consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa Najera at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria  

Join Nik Young and Alyssa Najera in this sequel to Confessions of a High-Functioning, Anxious Therapist (episode 63) where they awkwardly and openly share their struggles with inattention, delayed gratification, and low-key impulsive behaviors. Learn how these behaviors can impact relationships, work functioning, and personal growth, and get tools to help you navigate.    In this episode we talk about: Potential Signs of ADHD Lack of attention to detail Difficulty concentrating Difficulty completing a task, having several unfinished tasks or projects Continually losing or misplacing things Feeling the need to interrupt others before you lose your train of thought Restlessness and edginess Difficulty keeping quiet, speaking out of turn Difficulty with organization Tendency to procrastinate Irritability Feeling like everything is urgent when it may not be Difficulty slowing down Difficulty multitasking Easily losing track of time, feeling like you have more time that you actually do Racing thoughts or jumping from idea to idea Checking out often or daydreaming Potential Signs of High Functioning ADHD Hyper-focused on projects or deadlines Heavily focused on productivity or achievement Your work style either includes lots of breaks or extended periods of work with minimal breaks Excessive use of calendars, reminders, or apps to ensure you do not miss appointments, deadlines, or events Chronic procrastination  Exceling under pressure   Tools for Inattention Use the resources available to you Breakup larger tasks into smaller, attainable tasks Engage in active reflection and self-awareness Focus on one task at time Ask yourself Can it wait? Do you need it? Do you need this right now? Learn healthy coping skills to help you manage symptoms to ensure symptoms do not negatively impact your relationships or daily functioning Other factors that may exacerbate inattentiveness, need for immediate gratification, and impulsiveness  Anxiety symptoms Depression symptoms ADHD symptoms Increased Stress Resources Mentioned in this Episode Episode 63: Confessions of a High-Functioning, Anxious Therapist Episode 66: “Heroin, Heartache, and Hope” with Christian Author of Counting Spoons Kathryn Mae Inman What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nik Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nik keeps it personable and professional. Yet, always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find them squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring Nik back around to the conversation. Nik is a licensed marriage and family therapist in their private practice located in Modesto, CA, and is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, Nik is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nik Young at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a former Child Welfare Services social worker, supervisor, and sexual abuse forensic interviewer. Alyssa Najera is now a trainer, consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa Najera at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria     YOU TUBE DESCRIPTION (max 5,000 characters including spaces)   The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy, and help you prioritize your mental health. The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a production of  https://ampsmartbusiness.com/ . For more information and full episode show notes visit https://therapistsuncut.com/ . Join Nik Young and Alyssa Najera in this sequel episode to Confessions of a High-Functioning, Anxious Therapist (episode 63) where they awkwardly share their struggles with inattention, delayed gratification, and lowkey impulsive behaviors both in their personal and professional lives. Learn how these behaviors have the potential to impact relationships, work functioning, and personal growth and tools to help you navigate.    In this episode we talk about: Potential Signs of ADHD ·       Lack of attention to detail ·       Difficulty concentrating ·       Difficulty completing a tasks, having several unfinished tasks or projects ·       Continually losing or misplacing things ·       Feel the need to interrupt other before you lose your train of thought ·       Restlessness and edginess ·       Difficulty keeping quiet, speaking out of turn ·       Difficulty with organization ·       Tendency to procrastinate ·       Irritability ·       Feeling like everything is urgent when it may not be ·       Difficult slowing ·       Difficulty multitasking ·       Easily lose track of time, feeling like you have more time that you actually do ·       Racing though tor jumping from idea to idea ·       Checking out often or daydreaming Potential Signs of High Functioning ADHD ·       Hyperfocus on projects or deadlines ·       Heavily focused on productivity or achievement ·       Your work style either includes lots of breaks or extended period of work with minimal breaks ·       Excessive use of calendars, reminders, apps to ensure you do not miss appointments, deadlines, or events ·       Chronic procrastination or you excel under pressure Tools for Inattention or Impulsivity ·       Use the resources available to you ·       Breakup larger tasks into smaller, attainable tasks ·       Engage in active reflection and self-awareness ·       Focus on one task at time ·       Ask yourself o   Can it wait? o   Do you need it? o   Do you need this right now? ·       Learn healthy coping skills to help you manage symptoms to ensure symptoms do not negatively impact your relationships or daily functioning ·       Utilize mindfulness tools Other Factors that May Increase these Behaviors ·       Anxiety symptoms ·       Depression symptoms ·       ADHD symptoms Resources Mentioned in this Episode ·       Episode 63: Confessions of a High-Functioning, Anxious Therapist ·       Episode 66: “Heroin, Heartache, and Hope” with Christian Author of Counting Spoons Kathryn Mae Inman Who we are: Nik Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nik keeps it personable and professional. Yet, always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find them squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring Nik back around to the conversation. Nik is a licensed marriage and family therapist in their private practice located in Modesto, CA, and is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, Nik is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nik Young at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa Najera at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of https://ampsmartbusiness.com/ . To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut!    

  Not only is Officer Mitch Brouillette a seasoned and knowledgeable law enforcement officer, but he is also caring, humble, and basically famous after 20M+ views of a DUDE. Be nice video showcasing Heritage High's gratitude for their very own School Resource Officer, Officer Mitch. Tune into this episode with licensed mental health professionals Nik Young and Alyssa Najera as Officer Mitch shares his experience as a former School Resource Officer (SRO), talks about the benefits of SROs on campus, and highlights the importance of building positive relationships with our youth and community.   Interview with Officer Mitch Brouillette Mitch is an active veteran law enforcement officer with over 20 years of law enforcement experience. Mitch is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.   He holds a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from California Coast University and graduated from the Stanislaus County Office of the Sheriff Law Enforcement Training Center. He has worked patrol, investigations (Special Victims / Crimes against children Detective), school resource officer and currently is serving as a patrol Sergeant.   Mitch is an active SWAT Team (15 years) member. His current role is team leader. He has held many different roles as a SWAT Team operator to include; Sniper/ Sniper Team leader, breacher, NFDD (flash bang) and chemical agents.   He is a Chemical Agent Instructor, NFDD (Flash bang) Instructor, ALICE Training Institute certified Active Shooter Response Instructor, Law Enforcement Active Shooter Instructor. Critical Incident response Instructor for CATO (California Association of Tactical Officers).   Mitch is a graduate of CATO's (California Association of Tactical Officers) Strategic Leadership Program. He is currently part of the CATO training cadre and serves as CATO's Vendor Coordinator for the CATO conference. He also holds certification as an NRA Pistol Instructor.   You can find Officer Mitch at Contact Us     Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Heritage High Resource Officer Mitch Brouillette surprised by a flash mob thank-you. Schrader, Amy Nov. 18, 2016 https://www.thepress.net/news/heritage-high-resource-officer-mitch-brouillette-surprised-by-a-flash-mob-thank-you/article_b6024b08-8e42-11e5-8005-c75b2b7d7326.html   Massive mob overwhelms school's favorite police officer! Official dude. Be nice YouTube Channel. 20 Million + Views https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1uAp69IJnk   Brentwood special needs prom promises to be ‘amazing day'. King, Paula. East Bay Times. April 26, 2017. https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/04/26/organizers-looking-for-help-for-brentwood-special-needs-prom/ Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nik Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nik keeps it personable and professional. Yet, always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find them squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring Nik back around to the conversation. Nik is a licensed marriage and family therapist in their private practice located in Modesto, CA, and is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, Nik is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nik Young at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa Najera at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  [add paragraph space in libsyn] Bullies, insecurities, shame, and understanding sexuality were just a few challenges growing up queer in a small, rural town. John-David Brown shares his experience of the internal struggles he faced growing up a gay male and how supportive parents, therapy, lots of books, and strong friendships helped him understand that authenticity is, in fact, possible.   Interview with John-David Brown John-David Brown is a 35-year-old technologist living in Los Angeles, where he leads product development for Perry Street Software, makers of queer dating apps SCRUFF and Jack'd. He studied politics at Cornell University and has primarily worked in technology during his professional career. He loves music, traveling, and his cat Governor. You can find John-David Brown on Instagram @johndavidbrown   Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Book The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World https://www.amazon.com/Velvet-Rage-Overcoming-Growing-Straight/dp/1611746450   Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nik Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nik keeps it personable and professional. Yet, always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find them squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring Nik back around to the conversation. Nik is a licensed marriage and family therapist in their private practice located in Modesto, CA, and is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, Nik is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nik Young at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa Najera at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  In recognition of Suicide Prevention month, licensed mental health professionals Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera dive deep into a conversation about suicide to share facts and resources, increase awareness, and help you feel more comfortable with navigating conversations about suicide.   In this episode we talk about: Risk factors that may increase risk of suicide Protective Factors Misinformation about Suicide and what the facts say How to recognize warning signs of someone who may be struggling with suicide How to navigate a conversation about suicide Where to find help if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts   Resources mentioned: www.988lifeline.org “988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July 16, 2022.   #bethe1to https://www.bethe1to.com/ “Be the one to help save a life. We all can take action to prevent suicide.”   For more resources, head over to our Mental Health Resources page.   Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria  

  Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera talk food, movement, weight, and body image with co-authors of the book “Raising Body Positive Teens.” Join the conversation as Signe Darpinian, Wendy Sterling, and Shelley Aggarwal crush “diet culture and weight stigma” by breaking down common myths about food and eating, offer tips on how to talk with your child about media and body image, and explore how to develop a friendship with food and your body.   Guest Bios Signe Darpinian is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Eating Disorders Specialist, and host of Therapy Rocks! a personal growth podcast. She provides tele-health therapy services in the state of California.   Wendy Sterling, is a Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian and Supervisor, and a Board-Certified Sports Dietitian. She has consulted for the Oakland Athletics, Golden State Warriors, NY Jets, and NY Islanders. She is also the co-author of How to Nourish Your Child Through an Eating Disorder and maintains a virtual private practice throughout the US.    Shelley Aggarwal is a physician and is a board-certified Pediatrician and Adolescent Medicine Sub-Specialist. Dr. Aggarwal has worked with premiere academic institutions and continues to be teaching faculty with Stanford Children's Health and UCSF-Fresno. She is the Medical Director of clinics serving justice involved youth.   They are the co-authors of No Weigh! A Teen's Guide to Positive Body Image, Food, and Emotional Wisdom and Raising Body Positive Teens: A Parent's Guide to Diet-Free Living, Exercise and Body Image, both with Jessica Kingsley Publishers in London.    To learn more about our guests visit the below links Signe Darpinian https://www.signedarpinian.com/ @therapyrockspodcast @noweighguide Wendy Sterling http://sterlingnutrition.com Instagram @wendy_sterling Shelley Aggarwal https://www.signedarpinian.com/books.   In this episode we talk about: What motivated Signe, Wendy, and Shelley to write their 2nd book together, Raising Body Positive Teens How our bodies are impacted by stress How to navigate conversations with your child around media and body image Common myths about food, eating, and weight The role of sleep, movement, and food in sport performance   Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: No Weigh! A Teen's Guide to Positive Body Image, Food, and Emotional Wisdom   Raising Body Positive Teens: A Parent's Guide to Diet-Free Living, Exercise and Body Image,     Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  For two therapists who bring nearly every episode back to self-awareness, it seemed only right to dedicate an episode to reflecting on a missed opportunity to address an important topic. Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera vulnerably practice self-awareness, reflect on how they navigated a sensitive topic from a previous episode, and remind us that even therapists can make mistakes. Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com. What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Comedian Gloria “Glory” Magaña shares how comedy helped her cope with childhood trauma, gave her hope, and inspired her to dream big. Join Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera as they talk with Gloria about self doubt, trauma, comedy, and Gloria's own mental health journey as she moved from the hood life to the good life. Interview with Gloria “Glory” Magaña Gloria Magaña is a native Modestan and was born to entertain! As the youngest of 15, there was never a dull moment or a night without an audience! Glory began her career in 2012 at The Purple Onion in San Francisco, CA, the same stage where Phyllis Diller, Woody Allen, and Richard Pryor paved their ways to fame. She made her way around the Bay Area performing at Cobb's Comedy, San Francisco Punchline, Tommy T's Comedy Club in Pleasanton, as well as in the  Sacramento circuit at places like the Sacramento Punchline and Laughs U limited. She then went on to perform in Los Angeles at the Icehouse in Pasadena, the Laugh Factory in Long Beach and Hollywood, and The Comedy Store. Glory has since performed across the U.S and Mexico. You'll be sure to have fun watching her animated presence on stage!  And Glory just celebrated her 10th year comedy anniversary at the State Theater in Modesto in her Farewell Tour before heading off to the New York comedy scene.  Instagram @glorymagana Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com. What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Making new friends as a kid is expected, but making new friends as an adult can come with its own set of challenges. Join licensed mental health professionals Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera as they break down ways to make and keep good friends including rebuilding meaningful relationships, acknowledging that it's okay to outgrow friendships, and  reminding yourself that it's okay to make new friends.   In this episode we talk about: Why some of us struggle with making new friends as adults Why some of us find it easy to make new friends Outgrowing friendships Setting healthy boundaries Strategies to make and keep good friends   Resources mentioned: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  In the spirit of normalizing therapy and making mental health relatable, Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera get real about their own mental health. Join the conversation as they each share how they came to the realization of just how much their own anxiety has been showing up in their personal and professional lives. High-achieving, perfectionist, detail oriented, driven, workaholic, and “successful” are all common descriptors of someone who may also closely identify with high functioning anxiety. While high functioning anxiety is not a diagnosis or disorder, it is commonly used to describe someone who may struggle with anxiety symptoms internally, yet on the surface appears calm, collected, and even well-accomplished.   In this episode we talk about: What is High Functioning Anxiety? High functioning anxiety is not a diagnosis or disorder among the anxiety umbrella in the DSM5. It is, however, commonly used to described someone who struggles with common anxiety symptoms yet is fairly successful at managing all facets in their life such personal, professional, financial, and family responsibilities. Someone who identifies with high functioning anxiety is typically not experiencing impairment in any given are of their life and is often described as Accomplished Successful Driven Overachiever Detail-oriented Perfectionist Type-A Personality Despite the outward accolades and achievements, the individual navigating high functioning, anxiety is likely also struggling internally with anxiety symptoms such as Excessive worry Fatigue Irritability Difficulty sleeping Muscle tensions Difficulty concentrating Racing thoughts Internal fears (i.e. fear of rejection, failure, or disappointing) Ongoing self-doubt Questioning whether you are good enough or deserving   Possible Causes of High Functioning Anxiety Causes of anxiety or anxiety symptoms vary, however, genetics and environment can be contributing factors. Here is a list of things to consider. Family history of anxiety disorders Exposure to negative or stressful life events Certain physical health conditions Substance or alcohol abuse Childhood experiences Types of Anxiety Although high functioning anxiety is not a diagnosis or disorder, there are several forms of anxiety that do meet criteria of a formal diagnosis including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Panic disorders Social anxiety disorder Phobias Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Separation Anxiety Disorder Selective Mutism Agoraphobia Substance/Medication Induced Anxiety Disorder Anxiety disorder due to another Medical Condition   Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: To learn more, check out Therapists Uncut episodes on anxiety including our 50th episode, “Living with Anxiety.” You can also visit our Mental Health Resources page for additional links. Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Now that we've spent time talking about how to recognize trauma and battle burnout in the workplace, it's only fitting we move right into how to recognize signs of Secondary Trauma. Secondary Traumatic Stress can be any combination of emotional, mental, or behavioral trauma responses like images getting stuck in your head, avoidance, intrusive negative thoughts, and difficulty concentrating. STS can mirror the same signs of someone experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but the difference is you don't experience the traumatic event directly. Instead, Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) can occur in anyone who hears the firsthand account, or is indirectly exposed, to someone else's traumatic experience.  Tune in to this episode with Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera as they share examples of Secondary Traumatic Stress and help you better understand hot better recognize and navigate secondary traumatization.   In this episode we talk about: What is Secondary Traumatic Stress? Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) is a combination of trauma responses that can result from hearing, watching, or reading about the traumatic experience of others. This can occur from professional roles of working with trauma survivors, witnessing criminal acts of violence, working the Emergency Department or working in protective services. STS, however, can also occur outside of work and as a result of hearing someone story, witnessing disturbing images or video on social media or news outlets, or learning something traumatic happened to someone you love.   Signs of Secondary Traumatic Stress Secondary Traumatic Stress mimic the same trauma responses as those described in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The only difference, however, is STS can result from learning about the firsthand experience of someone else's trauma, whereas PTSD requires a person directly experiencing an event or series of events. These trauma responses include a cluster of physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms including, but not limited to, the following: Hypervigilance: Exhibiting extreme alertness, care, or caution in one or several areas of your life Increased Startle Response: Feeling extra jumpy or on edge Difficulty concentrating Easily distracted Images or parts of an event get stuck or replay in your head Avoidance of people, places, or things that might remind you of the event or series of events Disrupted sleep or nightmares Irritability Feelings of guilt or helplessness Somatic or physiological responses to being reminded of the event(s)   Who is at Risk of Experiencing Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) While people working in crisis or with trauma exposed populations are at an exceptionally high risk, secondary traumatic can also occur due to exposure to images or stories you hear in the media, national crisis, or videos. According to research, the below populations are at high risk of developing Secondary Traumatic Stress First Responders Child Protective Service Providers Mental Health Clinicians Educators Health Care Providers Helping Professionals   What is the difference between Secondary Traumatic Stress, Vicarious Trauma, and Compassion Fatigue? Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are distinctly different. Secondary Traumatic Stress refers to the presence of trauma symptoms, also consistent with PTSD symptoms, that are caused by at least one indirect exposure to traumatic material or events. This exposure could be through learning about someone's story firsthand verbally, via images, news media, reports, social media, or videos. Vicarious Trauma is less focused on trauma responses or symptoms and more focused on the cognitive changes or shifts in world view that occur over time because of repeated exposure to trauma stories. Vicarious traumatization is less present as trauma responses and more present as a shift in one's overall perspective of their environment. Compassion Fatigue also known as Empathic Strain Compassion fatigue is the gradual increase of immense emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from the ongoing output of empathy and compassion required in one's work. It is most commonly experienced in health care and helping professions, but is also experienced in other professions. Compassion fatigue can result in feelings of indifference or apathy toward the pain and suffering of others.       Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links:   National Child Traumatic Stress Network; STS a Fact Sheet for Child-Serving Professionals https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/secondary_traumatic_stress_child_serving_professionals.pdf   Professional Quality of Life Scale https://proqol.org   Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  High rates of employee burnout are documented in industries including healthcare, human services, and first responders. More recently, the battle with burnout is now reported across industries including tech, manufacturing, law, education, and hospitality, to name a few. Join licensed mental health professionals Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera as they describe signs of burnout, explore how burnout symptoms can negatively affect your mood, behaviors, and relationships, and challenge organization leaders to assess their own resources for addressing burnout. In this episode we talk about: Burnout is the extended period of physical and/or emotional exhaustion, it can almost feel like you're on autopilot as you navigate your workday. If your industry or organization already struggled with high levels of burnout, the pandemic likely exacerbated those levels. In this episode, Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera discuss • What is Burnout • Cognitive, physical, and behavioral signs of burnout • Using self-awareness and input from others you trust to help you determine your own burnout levels Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: If you notice you are experiencing signs of burnout practice self-care, healthy habits, and self-assessments to help you decide where you are and where you want to be physically and mentally. If you recognize recurring bouts of burnout, you may need to assess how to implement healthy coping and anticipatory coping skills that will help you deal with and work through work-related stressors or evaluate your employment overall and whether or not it's time to search for new opportunities. For a burnout assessment resource, click on the link below. https://proqol.org/proqol-measure Listen to Therapists Uncut episodes for tips on self-care, positive coping skills, and evaluating whether or not “To get or not to get the F*** out of Dodge.” Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com. What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider. Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria  

  Assertiveness is the skill of expressing your needs and opinions in a confident, non-confrontational. For some, this skill comes naturally. Yet, for others, can be a struggle. Why is that?  Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera define assertiveness and dig deep into reasons why some of us might struggle with being assertive. Join the conversation and learn why assertiveness is an essential skill to help you navigate relationships, set and maintain healthy boundaries, and practice healthy communication.   In this episode we talk about: What is assertiveness and why is it important Examples of assertive behavior Possible reasons why you may struggle with being assertive Benefits of being assertive at work, in relationships, and in your family system Using assertive behaviors to positively impact relationships, set and maintain boundaries, and effectively voice your needs Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria  

  Toxic relationships have the potential of showing up in all areas of our life including work, social, and romantic relationships and even within family systems. Learn how to recognize signs of toxic relationships and tools to help you navigate through. In this episode we talk about: Potential Signs of Toxic Relationships Blaming and accusing Put downs or name calling Jealousy Making excuses or justifying behaviors of the other person Excessive gossip Putting you down to make themselves look better Feeling bad about yourself when you are this person Feeling like you're always, “cleaning of their mess” Areas of Life where Toxic Relationships Can Show Up Relationship with supervisors or co-workers (if you are struggling with poor management, check out our previous episodes Shitty Bosses and To get or Not to get the F*** out of Dodge) Social and peer relationships Relationships with immediate or extended family Ways to Respond to Toxic Relationships Practice being assertive Set boundaries by communicating what's okay with you and what's not okay with you If possible, create space or distance Take responsibility for your part, but don't take responsibility for other people's feelings, situations, or circumstances that you are not responsible for Abusive relationships can be toxic, but toxic relationship are not necessarily abusive. If you are worried about your safety or think you may be in an abusive relationship visit thehotline.org for Domestic Violence Support   Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: National Domestic Violence Hotline http://www.thehotline.org/ 1-800-799-7233   Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria  

  Welcome back for part 2 of our interview with Karlha Davies community leader, Hometown Hero, and entrepreneur. Karlha shares the series of moments that led her to recognizing how her alcohol use was a convenient and “acceptable” way of coping with her own insecurities and emotional hurt. Tune in as they TU Crew dismantle the myths of alcohol use, discuss supports that have helped Karlha in recovery, and explore how sobriety is guiding Karlha into new hope, new goals, and a clear future.     If you missed part 1, be sure to watch our last episode to hear Karlha speak about the role alcohol played in her life, how it impacted her personal and professional relationships, and when the realized she alcohol was a problem.     Interview with Karlha Davies With hope in her heart, fire in her blood and fierce determination for the advancement of her fellow BIPOC, Karlha is a child of Mexican immigrant farm workers from Hughson, one of California's most conservative counties. She's been able to occupy spaces not meant for her voice and passion and while others have tried to extinguish her flame, it's allowed Karlha to realize her purpose in life is to show up authentically and with the integrity of her ancestors. Karlha's professional success begins with being the first in her family to attend and graduate from college.   Karlha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Ethnic Studies from CSU Stanislaus. She boasts an impressive 25+ year career in public relations, fundraising and community engagement in the sectors of non-profit, education, government, and private business. Her ability to be successful in all sectors, speaks volumes to her creativity, leadership, and ability to succeed in whatever field she's chosen to stand behind. She has been awarded a Hometown Hero, Outstanding Woman of Stanislaus County and a Latina Heroé for her commitment to advocating for others in her community. While the awards she's received honors her spirit of being of service to others, one of the things she is most proud of is working on her sobriety and 12 Step Recovery which began on October 3, 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic.   *Since the recording of this episode Karlha has transitioned out of her role at her alma mater to focus on her consulting business Korazón Konsultants.   You can find Karlha Davies on social media at Instagram @Konkorazon Instagram @KorazonKonsultants Facebook @karlha.davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlhadavies/   Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families https://adultchildren.org/ACOA The 12 steps of Recovery: “The Twelve Step programs are well known for their use in recovering from addictive and dysfunctional behaviors.” https://12step.org/   Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com. Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Addiction has the potential of showing up in all walks of life and it was around this time last year that Karlha Davies successful, first-generation community leader and Hometown Hero recognized and accepted her own addiction. Despite Karlha's outward appearance of achievements, accolades, and community recognitions, Karlha struggled internally with depression and anxiety, low self-worth, and alcoholism. For the first time ever on a public platform, Karlha shares her story of alcohol abuse and her recent journey to recovery. Tune into part 1 of this 2-part interview to hear about the role alcohol played for Karlha, how it impacted her personal and professional relationships, and what it took for Karlha to recognize something needed to change. Interview with Karlha Davies With hope in her heart, fire in her blood and fierce determination for the advancement of her fellow BIPOC, Karlha is a child of Mexican immigrant farm workers from Hughson, one of California's most conservative counties. She's been able to occupy spaces not meant for her voice and passion and while others have tried to extinguish her flame, it's allowed Karlha to realize her purpose in life is to show up authentically and with the integrity of her ancestors. Karlha's professional success begins with being the first in her family to attend and graduate from college.   Karlha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Ethnic Studies from CSU Stanislaus. She boasts an impressive 25+ year career in public relations, fundraising and community engagement in the sectors of non-profit, education, government, and private business. Her ability to be successful in all sectors, speaks volumes to her creativity, leadership, and ability to succeed in whatever field she's chosen to stand behind. She has been awarded a Hometown Hero, Outstanding Woman of Stanislaus County and a Latina Heroé for her commitment to advocating for others in her community. While the awards she's received honors her spirit of being of service to others, one of the things she is most proud of is working on her sobriety and 12 Step Recovery which began on October 3, 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic.   You can find Karlha Davies on social media at Instagram @Konkorazon Instagram @KorazonKonsultants Facebook @karlha.davies https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlhadavies/   Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families https://adultchildren.org/ACOA Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Therapists Uncut brings back Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Natalie Silva for a brand new episode on body image and self-esteem. Natalie also describes common body image themes that have come up in her private practice such us using food to cope with stress, the pressures to diet, and how to be comfortable with and love your body.   Natalie Silva is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and private practice owner in California. Natalie holds space for women from all stages of life who are desiring meaningful change. Natalie offers individual counseling to support the treatment of emotional pain, relationship issues, and life transitions including, adulthood, motherhood, marriage, divorce and beyond. Together, she and her clients work through a gentle, compassionate lens within the therapeutic space to heal old wounds and help women move forward. “It is a privilege to bear witness to the internal change my clients do and I am here to help support you through yours whenever you are ready.” - Natalie Silva, LMFT   You can find Natalie at: Website: https://www.nataliesilvalmft.com Social Media: @natalie.silva.lmft Email: connect@nataliesilvalmft.com   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Don't miss out on this episode where we get to know our co-hosts Nikki Young, LMFT and Alyssa Najera, LCSW. Get know them a little more as they answer listener questions on their favorite family activities, college memories, and of course, why they started a podcast. In this episode we talk about: Watch as our co-hosts play rapid fire and answer questions about themselves such as: Your favorite outdoor activity? Favorite tv show? Favorite type of music genre or artist? Favorite way to spend time with family? Favorite food? What would you be found doing on a Wednesday night? Your dream car? You dream vacation? If you were an animal, which one would you be? Number of tattoos? Who would you want to have a conversation with – dead or alive? Favorite ice cream flavor? Favorite color? Favorite movie? Favorite musical instrument? Favorite college memory? Do you have any special talents? Favorite superhero? Favorite childhood memory? If you could live anywhere. Where would you live? Why did you start a podcast??   Therapists Uncut Challenge: We want to learn more about you! Answer any or all of the questions below! Tell us your hometown Favorite Halloween Movie Favorite decade of all time Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  We all disagree with our partner at some point. Disagreements are normal and healthy, but how we disagree is a foundational component of our relationships.  In this episode, Nikki Young, LMFT, and Alyssa Najera, LCSW, discuss the importance of communicating respectfully and effectively by using fair fighting or as we call it, Kosher Conflict.     In this episode we talk about: Types of problems within a relationship: Solvable problems: issues that are situational or can be perceived as one-off type of conflict. Unsolvable problems: Issues that stay consistent and in 15 years from now it will still be a problem. What makes a difference in a disagreement is how you choose to engage, response, and recognize your own personal triggers.   Why should I practice Fair Fighting and Kosher Conflict? It is important to understand that when our stress levels go up, our communication skills go down. We tend to make ourselves more vulnerable with people we trust which may result in giving our poorest level of communication When fighting around children, they pick up on certain mannerisms and communication skills. It is important to model how your child should discuss issues and be treated during conflict with a partner. Practicing Kosher conflict can provide you and your partner resolution, understanding, and increased emotional and physical intimacy.   How do I practice Fair Fighting and Kosher Conflict? Understand what triggers your fight, flight, or freeze response and choose to respond instead of react in a disagreement Your cool down or timeout periods can range from 5 minutes to 5 hours, it will vary After your timeout, come back to the topic and discuss the issue at hand effectively It is important to come back to the topic or the other person may feel abandoned in the situation. Notice your partner can usually recognize when you might be getting worked up ‘We've been married for 10 years and … the other day he told me, “Okay, I'm going to end this conversation because your nose is flaring and you keep blinking at me”'- Alyssa Najera, LCSW   How should I communicate? Avoid criticizing the other person and use “I” statements vs “you” statements. This prevents the other person from feeling blamed and causing their defense walls to go up. “I feel unheard. I would appreciate if I could share what I'm trying to share, it would make me feel heard.” - Nikki Young, LMFC “I'm feeling unheard. Here's what I need...” “I feel unheard, if I'm able to share what I want to share it will make me feel heard” Avoid name calling or yelling Discuss your partner's boundaries and needs Many couples use humor to defuse situations while other couples may take humor as the conversation not being taken seriously Remember, Kosher conflict is not a natural way to communicate and takes effort. Avoid spiraling the topic into other topics   Full transcription available at end of post.   Therapists Uncut Challenge: If you have a partner, watch this episode together and discuss how you both can effectively practice fair fighting in the future.   Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: https://www.cnvc.org/online-learning/nvc-instruction-guide/nvc-instruction-guide https://www.thehotline.org/ Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more resourced or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Ever heard the saying “smile, it's contagious"? Turns out it's true!  A smile, along with other facial expressions and vocalizations, has the power to influence the emotions and behaviors of others. In this episode, Alyssa Najera, LCSW, and Nikki Young, LMFT discuss just how infectious emotions can be through the lens of Emotion Contagion, and the importance of being cautious of who and what you surround yourself with.   In this episode we talk about: What is Emotion Contagion? Research dating back to the early 90's defines emotion contagion as the tendency to automatically mimic and synchronize facial expressions, vocalizations, postures, and movements with those of another person and consequently to emerge emotionally. This means that our behaviors mimic how we feel and can also influence others to mimic our behaviors, as well. Noted, everyone has a unique and individualized scale specific to them that determines how susceptible to emotion contagion they may be. Studies also show that a person is typically more inclined to feel these effects when coming from a person whom they are closer to.   Why is understanding emotion contagion important? The famous phrase “Do as I say, not as I do”, has been around for many years. When we consider emotion contagion in our behavior, it makes more sense to model the behavior we are trying to encourage rather than try to convince others to act a certain way when your actions are not reflecting it. An example of emotion contagion can be modeled in a work environment by the boss setting the mood for the day. If a boss is grumpy and has a bad attitude, that can reflect onto his/her employees. On the contrary, if a boss is upbeat, positive, and encouraging, the work environment will have a much more positive effect on the employees' mood. It is also important to understand how media sources (such as social media, the news, etc.) have an effect of your mood. Think about how you feel after you turn off the news or when actors in a commercial or movie have the ability to elicit certain emotions from the viewers. Recognize how your environment is impacting your emotions and mood both positively and negatively.   Study Done on Emotion Contagion A Facebook research study was done in 2014, to investigate how the content of a user's Facebook feed impacts the content of the user's personal posts.  (Cornell Chronicle, 2014). Facebook infused the new content it gave to some of its users with more positive updates, while the remaining users were given negative updates on their feed. They then analyzed the results and discovered the people who received more positive feed were likely to post positive content, while the people who received more negative feed began to post more negative content. For more on this study visit the Cornell Chronicle.   Full transcription available at end of post.   Therapists Uncut Challenge: Step 1: Pick two friends/family members who are willing to participate in a small, social experiment. come up with one sentence that could be taken multiple ways. Step 2: text this same sentence to both individuals but, include a different emoji for each message - one being more positive and the other being more negative. Step 3: immediately Explore their reactions, together. Discuss how emotion contagion might occur via text.     Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2014/06/news-feed-emotional-contagion-sweeps-facebook https://positivepsychology.com/emotional-contagion/ Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Our culture likes to remind us, in more way than one, that it's expected for men to suppress their emotions and avoid being vulnerable in expressing their feelings. Alyssa Najera, LCSW, and Nikki Young, LMFT discuss the importance of men's mental health, the risks of going unacknowledged, and ways to move toward a more accepting environment for men's emotional and mental health. In this episode we talk about: A common stereotype is that men should not be sad, hurt, anxious, depressed or emotional. They are supposed to be the breadwinners of the family, make sure everything is in order, and are often looked to (and even take upon the role of) the “fixers” of society. However, the idea that all men should uphold this image of mental stability is completely unreasonable. It is important to understand and consciously think about how mental illnesses can look different in men and women. In a general sense, signs of mental illness or emotional distraught (I.e., stress, anxiety, etc.) can be, but not limited to, Uncontrollable or increased anger and aggression Abuse of alcohol and/or drugs Increased irritability Our society tells us it is more acceptable for a man to get in a fight rather than to get emotional or cry. However, in reality, 1 in 10 men in the United States experience depression and anxiety, 1 in 6 men have experienced sexual trauma, and men are 3 to 4 times more likely to complete suicide using more lethal approaches versus women who are more likely to attempt suicide using different methods. These numbers are just from reported cases and are likely to be much higher. What is toxic masculinity? Toxic masculinity is defined as “a cultural concept of manliness that glorifies stoicism, strength, virility, and dominance, and that is socially maladaptive or harmful to mental health” by www.dictionary.com. When men's mental health gets bad, the term toxic masculinity may identify how and why they behave a certain way as a result of unresolved conflict due to past or present trauma. Celebrities and role models experiencing mental illness Many men with a celebrity status have been speaking up about their personal mental health such as Michael Phelps Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Terry Bradshaw This goes to show how many people secretly suffer from depression and other mental illnesses that you may not have expected based of the way they behave or their perceived success. Mental health is individualized and can vary in intensity. Seeking professional help doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you, but that you are doing everything in your control to work through hard things and be the best version of yourself.   Therapists Uncut Challenge: Think back to a time when you had a traumatic or distressing experience that was hard to talk about. Think about how it made you feel and try to process those emotions. Then, if you are ready, find someone you trust, either a family member, a close friend, a therapist, etc, and open up to them about that situation. Think about all of the negative stereotypes you know, have been told, or struggle with about being a man and write them down on a piece of paper. Once on that piece of paper, find a way to release those negative feelings associated with the words on the paper by destroying the paper in some way, like ripping it up for example.   Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Man Therapy | Men's Mental Health Resources Infographic: Mental Health for Men | Mental Health America (mhanational.org) Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  An estimated 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety is a beast and in addition to depression, one of the most common mental health disorders in the world. Given anxiety is so prevalent, we've decided to dedicate episode 50 to all those LIVING WITH ANXIETY. Tune in as Nikki Young, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Alyssa Najera, Licensed Clinical Social Worker discuss the different types of anxiety, common risk factors, and how you can deal with it. In this episode we talk about: If you have ever wondered what anxiety is, felt like you have it, been diagnosed with it, asked if you suffer from it, in denial about it, or raised by someone with anxiety, it may be helpful to better understand the different types of anxiety and how to recognize them. Types of Anxiety: What is Phobia: irrational fear or aversion to something (i.e. Fear of spiders, fear of elevators, etc.) What is Social anxiety: nervousness or fear being in social situations (i.e. Public speaking, fear of judgement, etc.) What is Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD): anxiety provoked behavior in all types of situations and settings including home, social, work, and peer environments What is Substance Induced Anxiety: anxiety experienced through drugs or alcohol, possibly in attempts to self-medicate. What is Medical Induced Anxiety: anxiety caused by medical factors (i.e. Cancer treatment causing anxiety due to traumatic news and stability) What is Panic Disorders: experiencing episodes of panic and panic attacks suddenly and unexpectedly. Panic attacks consist of feeling fearful, can't breathe, heart racing, sweating, and feeling as though you are dying What is Agoraphobia: an intense fear of particular places and situations. Sometimes this can look like having a fear of leaving home alone, public transportation, or crowded areas   What is Selective Mutism: Difficulty or failure to speak in specific environments (i.e. school, work) despite having the ability to understand and speak normally in other setting such as home What is Separation Anxiety Disorder: a type of anxiety in children characterized by anxiety related to the separation from parents/caregivers that is excessive for their developmental age What is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)? The DSM is basically the bible of mental health and other disorders. It guides health and mental health professionals in appropriately diagnosing a cluster of symptoms in order to identify a treatment plan for specific diagnoses. The DSM is published by the American Psychiatric Association and has been revised several times since original debut in the 1950's. The most recent edition is the DSM-5 How do I know if I have Anxiety? Common Symptoms of Anxiety Excessive worrying Feeling restless, nervous or tense Increased heart rate Rapid breathing Feeling stuck in your head about that past and future, difficult staying present Having difficulty controlling the worry Avoiding people, places, or things that may trigger anxiety Talk to you doctor to learn more about therapy for anxiety explore individual and group treatment options explore a medication assessment or referral to a psychiatrist (*Medication must be monitored under the treatment of a health professional such as primary care physician or psychiatrist and is most effective when combine with psychotherapy treatment and/or other modes of treatment) “Nobody comes out of the womb being like, okay these are the things that might go wrong, this is your engine checklist.” -Nikki Young, LMFT 00:23:00 How do I treat Anxiety? Anxiety therapy is offered in the form of both individual and group therapy. There are several different  modalities used to treat anxiety when being treated by a mental health professional. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Anxiety: CBT is one of the most commonly used types of treatment for anxiety. CBT is a form of talk therapy that focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CBT focuses on breaking destructive though patterns and improving your mood and behavior. Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Anxiety: EMDR is a trauma-specific intervention that is relatively newer in comparison to other forms of treatment. It is also a great form of treatment phobias and other forms anxiety. A mental health professional must be either EMDR-Trained or EMDR-Certified in order to provide this type of Anxiety Therapy. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Anxiety: DBT helps increase emotion regulation and symptom management through skills training and individual and/or group therapy When is anxiety normal and when should I look into professional help? At the end of the day, everyone gets anxiety and in small doses and it can be a good motivating factor. Anxiety may cause problems to arise that mean you would benefit from professional help if, Anxiety starts to impair or negatively affect your relationships, academic functioning, or occupational functioning You find yourself taking advantage of unhealthy self-medicating techniques (e.g. alcohol or drugs) Experience embarrassment about or with seeking help for anxiety issues   Therapists Uncut Challenge: If you recognize signs or symptoms of anxiety, allow yourself to acknowledge this part then ask in what ways has anxiety negatively impacted you? In what ways has anxiety been beneficial?   Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders DSM Library https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org/ Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Brief Summary One of the hardest things for a person to come to terms with can be dealing with their own flaws. This week, the crew continues their conversation on self-awareness including how to recognize self-awareness, how to practice self-awareness, and learning how to trust the ongoing process of self-reflection.   In this episode we talk about: Common ways of lacking self-awareness Blaming/Failing to take accountability Lack of empathy Empathy is defined as putting yourself into another person's shoes and point of view. Excessive and unproductive arguing Inability to accept feedback   Ways to Improve Self-Awareness Practicing self-awareness can help improve communication, improve your mood, and positively impact your relationships. Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera give valuable tips on ways to practice self-awareness. To start, Ask yourself, “What is happening that's causing me to react this way?” and “What do I want to learn from this?” What personality characteristics are “triggering” for you and why? Work on being vulnerable with self-acknowledgements Use therapy to help you gain perspective and set personal goals Use journaling to engage in consistent reflection Utilize Mindful practices, i.e., meditation (tune in to 49 Self-Reflection Part 1 for more) Have meaningful conversations with an honest, trustworthy friend and be open to their feedback     Therapists Uncut Challenge: Reflect on yourself over the past year. Allow yourself to be vulnerable and create a list of some strengths and weaknesses. Then, ask a close friend or family member to help you reflect on this list and give you feedback.   Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria    

  After months of adjusting, distancing, and readjusting to State and local recommendations, it's time for some socialization or as some may call it, the COVID Social Reintegration.  While some of us jumped right back into social events, dating, and large gatherings, others are still working through habitual thoughts patterns or behaviors that were born or exacerbated as a result of the pandemic. This might look like avoiding large crowds, struggling with small talk, declining events to events or even stumbling through greeting people.   Join Nikki and Alyssa in Episode 47; Coming out of COVID; The Social Struggle is Real, as they talk the subtle ways COVID habits are now impacting our social skills and interactions.   Resources mentioned: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  In this episode we talk about: Perfectionist tendencies can be a great motivator in helping you complete tasks or accomplish personal or professional goals, but when does perfectionism become a problem? Nikki Young and Alyssa Najera explore the layers of perfectionism including performance perfectionism, “self, other, and socially prescribed” perfectionism, where these behaviors or thought patters may come from, and how to know the difference between reasonable and unreasonable expectations.   Therapists Uncut Challenge: If you identify as having perfectionist tendencies, create a pros and cons list to help identify the benefits and negative impacts of these behaviors. Consider impact on school, work, relationships and family.   Resources mentioned: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Whether you're an administrator, educator, grade school teacher or University faculty, this one's for YOU! Despite the policies, pressures, and added layers of a pandemic, to say that you have showed up is an understatement. Thank you for your creativity, problem solving, perseverance and resilience, you are appreciated.   In this episode we talk about: This year educators have worked hard to keep their students present, engaged, and hopeful for the future. If you are an administrator, educator, aid, paraprofessional, grade school teacher, special education teacher, or University faculty member, this episode's for YOU! Nikki and Alyssa talk through the layers of complexities faced by educators and verbalize their gratitude and appreciation for the hard work our educators and administrators have faced this school year. From policies, to pandemic adjustments, not to mention personal challenges, our educators have truly showed up for our communities. Thank you!   Therapists Uncut Challenge: Thank an educator in your life by surprising them with a kind act or small gift of recognition.     Resources mentioned: We've pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we'll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  In this episode we talk about: As a group of therapists, it’s only natural this month the T-Uncut team dedicate an episode to recognize Mental Health Awareness month!  Nikki and Alyssa turn back time and take a look back at one of the first episodes recorded, Episode 3 “Mental Health Awareness Month During COVID Let’s Talk About it.”  Join the crew in this video commentary as they reflect on circumstances just but one year ago, and explore life then VS now. . . Talk about surreal.   Therapists Uncut Challenge: Where were you one year ago from today at that start of this pandemic?  Tell us your surreal moment.   Resources mentioned: We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Suicide Prevention Resources Center https://www.sprc.org/ Coping with Traumatic Events https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events/   American Foundation for Suicide Awareness https://afsp.org/   Suicide Awareness Voices of Education https://save.org/     Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Don’t miss out on this episode as Natalie Silva, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist breaks the myths surrounding Mom Guilt, shares her expertise on how to manage mom (and parent) guilt, and “normalizes the sh*t out of motherhood!”  Interview with Natalie Silva  Natalie Silva is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and private practice owner in California. Natalie holds space for women from all stages of life who are desiring meaningful change. Natalie offers individual counseling to support the treatment of emotional pain, relationship issues, and life transitions including, adulthood, motherhood, marriage, divorce and beyond. Together, she and her clients work through a gentle, compassionate lens within the therapeutic space to heal old wounds and help women move forward.   “It is a privilege to bear witness to the internal change my clients do and I am here to help support you through yours whenever you are ready.” - Natalie Silva, LMFT    You can find Natalie at:  Website: https://www.nataliesilvalmft.com   Social Media: @natalie.silva.lmft  Email: connect@nataliesilvalmft.com    In this episode we talk about:  Natalie Silva tells all to help our listeners navigate Mom (Parent) guilt and “normalize the sh*t out of motherhood.” In this interview, we cover:  What motivated Natalie to be a Mental Health Professional specializing in Women’s Health  Common themes that come up in the population whom she works with  Common myths around Mom (Parent) Guilt  How Mom Guilt may impact relationships at home, with peers, and at work  What benefits, if any, are there to carrying Mom Guilt?  At what point is Mom Guilt unproductive or even harmful to a parent?  What are some of the underlying factors that contribute to Mom Guilt?  Common unreasonable expectations parents place on themselves   Ways Moms (and other caregivers) can overcome Mom Guilt  Does mom guilt change over time with the age of children?  How can a partner or others supports help in the management of mom guilt?      Therapists Uncut Challenge:  If your partner or a close friend/family member is struggling hard with mom guilt, ask permission to share this episode with them. Then, remind them you are here for them and ask how you can help.     Resources mentioned:  We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links:   Post Partum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/  Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.    What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast:  The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health.   Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts:  Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com  Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, trainer and consultant, and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com.  Disclaimer:  Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut!   Social Media Links  Instagram @therapistsuncut  Facebook @therapistsuncut  Credits:  Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business.   Voice Over by Alexia Gloria 

  Saying goodbye is never easy. It may be saying goodbye when you head off to college, goodbye after a breakup, goodbye to your co-workers after accepting a new job, or goodbye when you come to an end of a chapter. It’s true, goodbyes may not be easy or comfortable, but life sure is full of them. Join the Therapists Uncut crew as they discuss healthy goodbyes, record their last episode as a trio, and say goodbye to Jolene as she ends her chapter as co-host with Therapists Uncut.     In this episode we talk about:  Sometimes goodbyes are uncomfortable, awkward, confusing, or even painful. We each have our own individual responses to goodbyes and “endings” and we each have our own ways of dealing with them. For some, goodbyes are simple, for others they may be easier to do in writing, email, or text, and for other it’s just easier to avoid the confrontation of goodbyes altogether. How do you handle goodbyes?  With that said, Nikki, Jolene, and Alyssa attempt to model a healthy goodbye as they reminisce and openly process their emotions and reactions to recording Jolene’s last episode as a Therapists Uncut co-host.   How to Say Goodbye  Acknowledge and process the emotions, even the ones that don’t feel good (sadness, discomfort, fear, worry etc.)  Pay tribute to the good memories   See the value in any lessons learned  Don’t avoid it  When saying goodbye due to a transition and when circumstances allow, maintain the relationships that are important to you.    Therapists Uncut Challenge:  Are there “goodbyes” in your life that may potentially be unresolved? If so, reflect on what is keeping you from facing it.     Resources mentioned:  We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links:   [Any applicable sites or resources. If none, leave blank.]  Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.    What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast:  The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy, and help you prioritize your mental health.   Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts:  Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone (usually Jolene) will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com  Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She can sometimes drift into daydreaming about the endless possibilities in life and usually the last one of the group to understand Nikki and Jolene's punchlines.  She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services (CWS) social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, and owner and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com.  Jolene Daly is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Jolene is a seasoned therapist and private practice owner. She grew up in the Turlock, CA and Modesto, CA area most of her adult life and has been married to her comedian of a husband Jason for 20 years.  She is a genuine, authentic person with a bold personality. You'll often catch Jolene challenging our listeners and her fellow co-hosts, as she is passionate about her personal and professional values and is vocal when it comes to speaking out for what’s right. Learn more about Jolene at dalymft.com.   Disclaimer:  Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut!   Social Media Links  Instagram @therapistsuncut  Facebook @therapistsuncut  Credits:  Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business.   Voice Over by Alexia Gloria 

  After watching The Social Dilemma, a documentary film released on Netflix in September 2020, the Therapists Uncut team found themselves in deep conversation about the intended and unintended impact of social media. In this episode, the Therapists Uncut Team explores the double-edge sword of social media including benefits, risks, and social, emotional, and psychological impacts on users of all ages.   Nikki, Jolene, and Alyssa talk about their personal and professional experiences with social media and openly process their reactions to the technology, search engines, algorithms, and design of social media platforms and all the unintended effects on it’s users. Yes, there are benefits to sharing information and being connected online, but how close are we putting ourselves to the fire when considering the negative impacts of social media on our behaviors and overall mental health?  In this episode we talk about:   The impact of social media on self-esteem in both youth and adults  The behind-the-scenes technology in social media and search engines  The technology of social media and the unintended psychological impacts on users and the mental health of users  How to be a Critical Researcher  What does the research say?  How does social media and technology impact both our youth, but also adults  How we can continuously reflect on the ethical component of technology     Therapists Uncut Challenge:  Reflect on how technology plays a role on your life and if that’s the role you want to allow it to play.    Resources mentioned:  We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links:   The Social Dilemma Website https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/  The Mental Health Dilemma https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/the-dilemma/  Social Media and Mental Health: Time for a Digital Detox https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-about-men/202002/social-media-and-mental-health-time-digital-detox  Social Psychologist Jonathon Haidt https://jonathanhaidt.com/      Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.    What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast:  The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health.   Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts:  Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone (usually Jolene) will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com  Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She can sometimes drift into daydreaming about the endless possibilities in life and usually the last one of the group to understand Nikki and Jolene's punchlines.  She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services (CWS) social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, and owner and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com.  Jolene Daly is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Jolene is a seasoned therapist and private practice owner. She grew up in the Turlock, CA and Modesto, CA area most of her adult life and has been married to her comedian of a husband Jason for 20 years.  She is a genuine, authentic person with a bold personality. You'll often catch Jolene challenging our listeners and her fellow co-hosts, as she is passionate about her personal and professional values and is vocal when it comes to speaking out for what’s right. Learn more about Jolene at dalymft.com.   Disclaimer:  Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut!   Social Media Links  Instagram @therapistsuncut  Facebook @therapistsuncut  Credits:  Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business.   Voice Over by Alexia Gloria 

  To Get or Not to Get the F*** out of Dodge Episode Show Notes Thinking about leaving your job? We get it, we’ve all been there. Maybe you’re unhappy, stressed, or overworked. Maybe your job treats you phenomenally, you have great benefits, great work hours but, something’s missing. Choosing to stay at or leave your employment is never an easy decision. Here are a few tips on how to decide on your next steps and determine whether or not it’s time to “Get the F*** out of Dodge.”   In this episode we talk about: When is time to Quit My Job? If the thought of leaving your job has crossed your mind recently, it may be time to start evaluating whether or not it’s time to leave. Start with creating a Pros and Cons lists that outlines some of the below considerations. Practical Factors to Consider when Thinking About Leaving Your Job Insurance and Health Benefits: What are your needs regarding insurance and other health benefits? Wages: What are your current expenses and what is your bottom line for a wage? Work Schedule: What work schedule is most beneficial for you (and your family?) Opportunity for promotion: Is this a career opportunity? Do you have opportunity to promote? Additional fringe benefits: Are extra benefits such as HSA/FSA accounts, gym memberships, or childcare important to you? Are they necessary? Opportunity for personal and professional development: Is there opportunity for you to grow personally and professionally through creative opportunities or training? Secondary Factors to Consider when Thinking About Leaving Your Job Job Satisfaction: How fulfilling is your work on a personal level? Work Culture: Do you enjoy walking into work every day? Do you align with the company values, do they express these values in their actions? Do you feel acknowledged and appreciated? Commute Time: Is the commute time reasonable, if it feels excessive is it worth the tradeoff? Ability to maintain healthy work/life boundaries: Does your current position allow you and/or support you in having a life outside of work? Has your physical health declined as a result of ongoing work-related stress? Are your job responsibilities negatively impacting your personal or family relationships? How positive are your work relationships? If they are positive, can you still maintain these relationships if you leave your job? Do you value the relationship with your peers, team, and/or management? Internal Factors to Consider when Thinking About Leaving Your Job Your sense of security and stability Your “loyalty” to a company. What does that mean to you? If I quit, am I failure? Or unreliable? How good are you with change? Is your fear of change keeping you somewhere you don’t want to be? Do you have passion that is not being fed through your current position? If you are considering self-employment or entrepreneurship, is fear or self-doubt keeping you from trying? Who are you? Has your profession now become your identity? Do you have people-pleasing tendencies and worry you will disappoint your team or management if you leave? Is there a pride factor that’s keeping you from leaving? Signs it May be Time to Quit your Job? You feel underappreciated. You dread going to work. You enjoy being at work, but find yourself daydreaming about the “what-if’s” What if I had more time to (fill in the blank with your hobby/passion) What if I saved enough money to cover the start-up costs of my own business? What if I found a source of income that allowed me to be with my family more? What if I had a job where I made my own schedule? You feel unmotivated. You feel stuck, like being in your current job is not a choice. You feel exhausted. Your physical health and sleep are steadily declining. Your spouse/partner are worried about you. Other Ways to Help You Decide if It’s time to quit your Job Create a pros and cons list. Talk to friends, family, or trusted peers to get an outside perspective. Evaluate your current needs (practical, secondary, and internal) and ask if this job is meeting those needs. Do some job searching and see if there are opportunities that catch your attention. Utilize your network and connections to help you explore other opportunities.     Therapists Uncut Challenge: Take time to evaluate where you stand in your job by creating a Pros and Cons list to help you assess what’s working and what’s not working for you.   Resources mentioned: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone (usually Jolene) will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She can sometimes drift into daydreaming about the endless possibilities in life and usually the last one of the group to understand Nikki and Jolene's punchlines.  She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services (CWS) social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, and owner and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Jolene Daly is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Jolene is a seasoned therapist and private practice owner. She grew up in the Turlock, CA and Modesto, CA area most of her adult life and has been married to her comedian of a husband Jason for 20 years.  She is a genuine, authentic person with a bold personality. You'll often catch Jolene challenging our listeners and her fellow co-hosts, as she is passionate about her personal and professional values and is vocal when it comes to speaking out for what’s right. Learn more about Jolene at dalymft.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Top 10 Ways Our Thoughts Screw With Us Episode Show Notes In the therapy world, you’ll often hear about the “ancient brain”. It’s the idea that there’s a part of your brain hardwired to identify threats (or perceived threats) in your environment and protect itself. It’s natural for your brain to protect you by taking your thoughts to what you don’t want, don’t like, worst case scenarios and all the ways something can go wrong. It’s so common, in fact, that research based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has graciously provided us with a list of the 10 most common cognitive distortions, or what we like to call the top 10 ways your thoughts screw with you. Join Nikki, Jolene, and Alyssa as they walk you through how to recognize, name, and tackle these thinking errors.   In this episode we talk about: What is CBT? CBT is short for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy an evidenced-based method of talk therapy used to treat anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other areas of mental health concern. It’s based on a cognitive (thought) model that identifies a link between our beliefs, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Basically, the concept that how we perceive a situation impacts our response more than the situation itself. Interesting. . . Very interesting, right? What are Cognitive Distortions? Cognitive Distortions were first proposed in 1976, by a psychologist named Aaron Beck. It’s an irrational thought response or habitual way of thinking that typically develops or evolves over time based on your experiences. They are thinking errors, thinking errors we all experience. If you’ve ever felt like your thoughts were screwing with you, you’ve likely experienced them, too. Don’t worry, this episode also covers a few tools to help you deal with these thinking errors in way that helps improve your responses and actions. For now, let’s get started with listing common cognitive distortions. Top 10 Cognitive Distortions AKA Top 10 Ways our Thoughts Screw Us Catastrophizing: Going to the worst-case scenarios or seeing only the worst possible outcomes All-or-Nothing or Black and White thinking: When your thoughts take you to “always”, “never”, or “every” Personalization: The belief that you are responsible for events outside Overgeneralization: Making generalized interpretations from a single or few events/situations Emotional Reasoning: The idea that how I feel is who I am. Example: “I feel like a bad mom therefore, I must be a bad mom Disqualifying the Positive: Focusing only on the negative while ignoring the positive. Jumping to Conclusions: interpreting a situation with little evidence. Magnification and Minimization: Exaggerating or minimizing the significance of a situation. “Should” Statements Labeling: taking one characteristic of a person or self and applying it to the whole person How to Deal with Cognitive Distortions Practice Self-Awareness by using things like journaling to help you notice and reframe these thought, then say the logical thought aloud Find someone you trust to help you challenge irrational thoughts and cognitive distortions as they see them come up. Watch your defense wall. Agree on how this conversation will go and be willing to accept this feedback. Use logic, logic helps you stay grounded in what you know to be true instead of living in what you think may be true. Therapists Uncut Challenge: Choose one of these distortions that you most identify with and commit to noticing, naming, and reframing it throughout your week. Resources mentioned: We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: To learn more about Arron Beck, visit Beck Institute of Cognitive Behavior Therapy Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   What is the Therapists Uncut Podcast: The Therapists Uncut Podcast is a light-hearted, informative self-help podcast for grown-ups. It is hosted by three off-the-clock therapists hoping to validate your experiences, normalize therapy and therapists, and help you prioritize your mental health. Who are the Therapists Uncut Podcast Co-Hosts: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone (usually Jolene) will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She can sometimes drift into daydreaming about the endless possibilities in life and usually the last one of the group to understand Nikki and Jolene's punchlines.  She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services (CWS) social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, and owner and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Jolene Daly is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Jolene is a seasoned therapist and private practice owner. She grew up in the Turlock, CA and Modesto, CA area most of her adult life and has been married to her comedian of a husband Jason for 20 years.  She is a genuine, authentic person with a bold personality. You'll often catch Jolene challenging our listeners and her fellow co-hosts, as she is passionate about her personal and professional values and is vocal when it comes to speaking out for what’s right. Learn more about Jolene at dalymft.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Are You Letting Self-Sabotage Interfere with Your Life? Episode Show Notes Brief Summary The crew dives into everything self-sabotage including, what does self-sabotage look like, where does it comes from, and what you can do to keep it from interfering with your life and ongoing goals. From an outside perspective, some self-sabotage behaviors can appear obvious and even intentional. The truth is, these behaviors and thought patterns can often be unintentional and rooted in underlying experiences or beliefs. In this episode we talk about: What is Self-Sabotage? Self-Sabotage can sometimes be perceived as an intentional action, thought, or behavior, that results in a negative impact or impairment in your daily life or end goals. The truth, self-sabotage behaviors can actually be unintentional and are often learned behaviors or habits that an individual may or may not be aware of. There are several contributing factors to self-sabotage including, but not limited to, unmet emotional needs, negative self-beliefs or past experiences.   Examples of Self-Sabotage Behaviors Self-sabotage behaviors are behaviors or thought patterns that consistently interfere with someone’s desire to reach ongoing goals, changes, or improvements in their life. Self-Sabotage behaviors can look like Procrastination Self-medicating through excessive use of alcohol, sex, substances, sugar, food, shopping or other immediately gratifying activities Maintaining ongoing patterns of unhealthy relationships Blaming others   “Self-sabotaging is meeting some unmet need or fear of ours. We need to understand the need we are meeting with our self-sabotage actions or behaviors before we can go about seeking to cease the behavior.” – Nikki Young, LMFT “What addictive things in your life are coming back to bite you in the ass? Because it could be a form of self-sabotage that you may or may not be aware of.” – Alyssa Najera, LCSW   Common Thoughts or Negative Beliefs Behind Self-Sabotage Behavior - “You’re just going to leave me, too.” - “The people who are supposed to love me the most don’t care, why should you?” - “I am unwanted.” - “I am unheard.” - “I am broken.” - “What if I fail?” - “I’m not important.” - “I am not worthy of succeeding.” How To Stop Self-Sabotage Practice Self Awareness: Acknowledge and be accountable for your behaviors and be open to input from the ones that care about you most.   Practice Self-reflection: Think about current or past goals and explore whether or not there’s a patterns and things that keep you from achieving these goals. Then, decide what you want to do about these patterns and behaviors.   Seek advice or input form your friends and support network.   Ask yourself who’s opinion you truly value and go to them for advice or guidance. Ask what they see or what they may be worried about. But, only do this if you’re ready to hear an honest answer.   Find a therapist: Many self-sabotage behaviors are a result of unmet emotional needs or past experiences. If you’ve found that past attempts to stop this behavior haven’t worked, it may be time to find a therapist to help your work through whatever barrier are keeping you from reaching your goals.   Resources mentioned: We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: If you are resident of California, United States and are interested in therapy services from any one our co-hosts, see their bios below for more information on therapy services. If you are not a resident of California, please contact your primary care doctor for assistance in finding a therapist. Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   Who we are: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone (usually Jolene) will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She can sometimes drift into daydreaming about the endless possibilities in life and usually the last one of the group to understand Nikki and Jolene's punchlines.  She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services (CWS) social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, and owner and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Jolene Daly is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Jolene is a seasoned therapist and private practice owner. She grew up in the Turlock, CA and Modesto, CA area most of her adult life and has been married to her comedian of a husband Jason for 20 years.  She is a genuine, authentic person with a bold personality. You'll often catch Jolene challenging our listeners and her fellow co-hosts, as she is passionate about her personal and professional values and is vocal when it comes to speaking out for what’s right. Learn more about Jolene at dalymft.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Brief Summary Inspired by Dr. Gary Chapman's Five Love Languages, originally released in the 90’s, the crew dives into relationships and how we give and receive love. Opening up about their own marriages, Nikki, Jolene, and Alyssa talk about the 5 Love Languages and other helpful tips that can help you reflect on your own relationship, reconnect with your partner, and help you Date your Mate!   In this episode we talk about: This episode is inspired by Dr. Gary Chapman’s The Five Languages. Originally published in 1992, it is still a popular book on the topic of marriage, relationships, and communicating and receiving love. A commonly used and highly recommended tool in marital and couples therapy, the Five Love Languages helps couples better understand each other in a way that helps grow and strengthen their relationship (5lovelanguages.com, 2021). What are the 5 Love Languages? Words of Affirmation Verbally receiving affirming, encouraging words and compliments to your partner.  Physical Touch Frequently engaging in physical touch such as hand holding, massages, cuddling or sitting close. Acts of Service When your partner completes small acts or tasks for you to help ease your stress or burden Receiving Gifts Receiving small and thoughtful gifts from your partner, thoughtful and meaningful being key. Quality Time Spending quality time with your partner and receiving their undivided attention.   Communication in your Relationship There is no one-fix-all tool to improve relationships, but being intentional and honest in your communication with your partner will be beneficial in your relationship. In addition to exploring Dr. Gary Chapman’s 5 Love Languages, also consider the below 3 tips. Identify and communicate your specific needs to your partner. Have open or even uncomfortable conversations with your partner about what your like and what you don’t like Be concrete and detailed, even consider providing examples of what they have done recently that you appreciated Challenge to our Listeners Use the information learned in this episode to talk to your partner about how they best receive love. Maybe even take the 5 Love Languages Quiz using the link below and talk about what works and does not work for you. Resources mentioned: We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Discover Your Love Language - The 5 Love Languages® https://www.5lovelanguages.com Take the 5 Love Languages Take the Quiz https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/   Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   Who we are: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone (usually Jolene) will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She can sometimes drift into daydreaming about the endless possibilities in life and usually the last one of the group to understand Nikki and Jolene's punchlines.  She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services (CWS) social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, and owner and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Jolene Daly is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Jolene is a seasoned therapist and private practice owner. She grew up in the Turlock, CA and Modesto, CA area most of her adult life and has been married to her comedian of a husband Jason for 20 years.  She is a genuine, authentic person with a bold personality. You'll often catch Jolene challenging our listeners and her fellow co-hosts, as she is passionate about her personal and professional values and is vocal when it comes to speaking out for what’s right. Learn more about Jolene at dalymft.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Tackling Insomnia Brief Summary You have a bedtime routine, take your supplements,  use meditation apps, but you still can’t sleep! Tackling in insomnia can be a beast and even when you feel like you’re doing everything that can possibly be prescribed, it’s still doesn’t work. Learn what true Insomnia is and ways to help you cope. In this episode we talk about: At what point does my lack of sleep become Insomnia? How insomnia can impair different parts of your life. What mental health and/or medical disorders might result in Insomnia or sleep related symptoms. How lifestyle, habits, or even nutrition impact sleep patterns. How to manage symptoms of Insomnia enough to help you maintain your day-to-day responsibilities. “I have been blessed, and I say that sarcastically, with Insomnia for the last 20 years off and on. Luckily I have it kind of under control. . . I have three bedrooms and beds in all 3 rooms so I can shift rooms when I sleep!” – Jolene Daly on how to deal with Insomnia Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com. Who we are: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone (usually Jolene) will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She can sometimes drift into daydreaming about the endless possibilities in life and usually the last one of the group to understand Nikki and Jolene's punchlines.  She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services (CWS) social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, and owner and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Jolene Daly is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Jolene is a seasoned therapist and private practice owner. She grew up in the Turlock, CA and Modesto, CA area most of her adult life and has been married to her comedian of a husband Jason for 20 years.  She is a genuine, authentic person with a bold personality. You'll often catch Jolene challenging our listeners and her fellow co-hosts, as she is passionate about her personal and professional values and is vocal when it comes to speaking out for what’s right. Learn more about Jolene at dalymft.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  Chaplain Dave Williams Demystifies  His Role With Law Enforcement and First Responders Interview with Chaplain Dave Williams Guest Bio Being invited to serve alongside first responders in a pastoral role is not for every pastor, but it has been a part of David Williams’ ministry since 1987. Public safety chaplains are uniquely suited to serve the public in times of trauma and they are a unique level of support to first responders processing difficult calls, administrative stresses and public perceptions.   David has served as a senior chaplain in the Central Valley since 1997. He has been a trainer in Critical Incident Stress Management since 2005, a certified trainer with the International Conference of Police Chaplains to help others in providing peer support and chaplain services. He has been a Certified Crisis Chaplain with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress for many years.   After just a year as a chaplain, David found himself with the wife of a police officer, who had been shot in the line of duty. Sadly, the police officer died that evening. A year later, he was sitting alone with an officer who was just involved in an officer involved shooting; with pastoral training and intuition, David supported that officer through the months following. He later learned additional tools of support. So David’s work with people suffering from critical incident stress, a mental health crisis, chemical dependency, relationship struggles and administrative difficulties is a combination of hands on and academic study. His desire is to help as many public responders to retire healthily as possible.                  In this episode we talk about: Chaplain Dave Williams has listeners on the edge of their seats with this engaging, informative, and educational interview. Chaplain Dave describes how he fell into his pastoral role with first responders and law enforcement in 1987 and to this day, continues to support and promote emotional health among first responders, law enforcement, and their families. He lets us in on how his role varies from day to day and can look anything like being called to the scene of a suicide, homicide, or a child death to support the families and witnesses affected by the incident, to providing training, to supporting the officers and first responders several days or weeks post a traumatic incident.  Chaplain Dave also shares how trauma reactions and responses can show up in the day to day lives of law enforcement officers and first responders in the form of dependency issues, relationship issues, impaired sleep, hyper vigilance, hyper startle response and more. Which is why it is imperative law enforcement, and first responders  learn how to manage stress in healthy ways to help them manage the emotional impact of the job and required shift work. Listen to the full episode to learn more on: The role of Chaplain in law enforcement and first responder organizations What role faith can play in mental health Common reasons law enforcement or first responder may resist professional therapy First responder stress management The impact of trauma on law enforcement, first responders, and their families And advice for our listeners   Resources mentioned: We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: International Critical Incident Stress Foundation International Conference of Police Chaplains Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   Who we are: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone (usually Jolene) will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She can sometimes drift into daydreaming about the endless possibilities in life and usually the last one of the group to understand Nikki and Jolene's punchlines.  She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services (CWS) social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, and owner and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Jolene Daly is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Jolene is a seasoned therapist and private practice owner. She grew up in the Turlock, CA and Modesto, CA area most of her adult life and has been married to her comedian of a husband Jason for 20 years.  She is a genuine, authentic person with a bold personality. You'll often catch Jolene challenging our listeners and her fellow co-hosts, as she is passionate about her personal and professional values and is vocal when it comes to speaking out for what’s right. Learn more about Jolene at dalymft.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria  

  Let’s get 2021 started off right! Learn how to avoid the hype and fad of New Year’s resolutions and utilize preparation, commitment, mindset and other tools to help you not only set, but keep healthy habits all year long! In this episode we talk about: 2020 was one hell of year, I think we can all agree, and so many people are looking forward to 2021 and that it will bring! While Jolene would much rather prefer a sneak preview... “I want the sneak preview. I don’t believe the ball should drop until we all get to see the trailer!” - Jolene Daly on ringing in 2021 As we all would, we won't know what the new year will bring until it rolls in. Why New Year’s Resolutions Suck Now, for those who are ready to set those New Year’s resolutions, hang tight for this 26-minute episode on why many New Year’s resolutions fail including: Loss of motivation The setting of unrealistic or unreasonable goals (especially if you have the same goal every year but are doing nothing different to get you closer to it, yet expect different results) “All or Nothing” thinking How to Create Sustainable Healthy Habits Instead, learn tips on how to set resolutions (or goals) for the year that are actually attainable, and not just for the short term, but for the long run! Resolutions are great to get you motivated, but there are a few things that you can put in place to help you change, create, and sustain healthier long-term habits in the New Year. Tip 1: Be realistic, avoid All or Nothing thinking or xero to sixty thinking Identify your baseline first, your starting line Set small, achievable goals that gradually work you toward your long term goal Tip 2: Have an accountability partner to help keep each other on track Tip 3: Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reasonable, Time Based) Tip 3: Commit to the smaller changes for a more sustainable outcome “I will say that I am one that when I get an idea or set a goal, I tend to go balls to the wall and blow it. I go hard, then I hurt myself. Then, I have to recover!” - Nikki Young on past New Year's resolutions Tip 4: Use your personality in terms of the introversion or extroversion scale to determine what can be a reinforcer. Is it socialization when you engage in this habit, or it independently completing an activity or habit in solitude (if you identify more as introvert). Tip 5: Count your “baby steps” because this is PROGRESS, too! And celebrate them! Tip 6: “Don’t Shit on Yourself.” Get yourself in the right mindset. Focus on what you have achieved, not what you didn’t do. Listen to what you need to listen to keep you in the right mindset. Focus on Tip 7: Use Visualization or Vision board to help keep you on track Tip 8: Reflect on why you are creating or changing these habits in the first place. What’s the purpose?   Resources mentioned: We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: A Proven Plan for Financial Success | DaveRamsey.com See How You Can Start Waking Up Everyday to Your Full Potential (miraclemorning.com) Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones: Clear, James: 9780735211292: Amazon.com: Books   Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   Who we are: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone (usually Jolene) will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She can sometimes drift into daydreaming about the endless possibilities in life and usually the last one of the group to understand Nikki and Jolene's punchlines.  She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services (CWS) social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, and owner and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Jolene Daly is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Jolene is a seasoned therapist and private practice owner. She grew up in the Turlock, CA and Modesto, CA area most of her adult life and has been married to her comedian of a husband Jason for 20 years.  She is a genuine, authentic person with a bold personality. You'll often catch Jolene challenging our listeners and her fellow co-hosts, as she is passionate about her personal and professional values and is vocal when it comes to speaking out for what’s right. Learn more about Jolene at dalymft.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria

  5 Ways to Survive the Holidays The holidays are a beautiful thing, but for many of us they can also be real stressful! Join the Therapists Uncut team for 5 ways to survive the holidays, including talk about traditions, personal boundaries, co-parenting during the Holidays, compromise, and perspective. Tune in for stories, laughter, and a little singing and dancing, as the crew is feeling festive for the Holidays!     In this episode we talk about: The holidays are a beautiful thing, but for many of us they can also be real stressful! Join the Therapists Uncut team for 5 ways to survive the holidays, including talk about traditions, personal boundaries, co-parenting during the Holidays, compromise, and perspective. Tune in for stories, laughter, and a little singing and dancing, as the crew is feeling festive for the Holidays!   Participate in or create new holiday traditions for your family and friends What are your family and cultural traditions? Decide what you do and don’t like about the holidays and decide what traditions you want to stop or what you want to continue.   Identify what your personal boundaries are and follow through with them during the Holidays Avoid feeling “obligated” to attend or participate in anything you don’t want to. Create a pros and cons list and weigh out your options. If your decision is not to attend, learn how to say NO. "Do what you want and I don’t mean that in a selfish way. . . but, do what is healthy for you.” Nikki Young on putting boundaries in place during the Holidays “We are not taught to do this, but it’s so important to do in our adult life. . .When you put up boundaries. . .people are not going to celebrate them, [your family] may not have good things to say to you, but it’s not about them. Your boundaries are about YOU.” Alyssa Najera on implementing healthy boundaries around the Holidays In-Law Culture Shock: Jolene talks about changing traditions, alternating holiday schedules, adapting to new traditions with your partner’s family and all the changes that may come when you’re in a new relationship.   Schedule ahead and be flexible when co-parenting during the Holidays Do your part to communicate ahead of time with your child’s parent to make arrangements as needed. Remember, focus on what is in your control and learn how to cope with what is out of your control. Be flexible with how things work out. Avoid hyper focusing on the details and keep focused on the overall Experience your own emotions and responses, but also recognize your kids hear and absorb everything they are exposed to. Be sure to experience your emotions in a way that does not vomit your personal opinions and emotions onto your children.   Pause and Compromise, but in a way that does not overstep your personal boundaries Learn to work together. Also, remembering that you can only do your part. You cannot control the behavior of your ex but you can make attempts to improve communication. No matter how it plays out, at some point you will celebrate the holidays whether or not it is on the same day or not. In the end, it will be okay.   Be kind and open to that fact that not everyone celebrates that same holidays or traditions Be kind. Be kind. Be kind. Avoid assuming everyone around you is celebrating the same thing, or even celebrating at all Learn more about the traditions of other by being open and curious, not judgmental   Recap Questions for our Listeners Think about what you love or hate around the holidays and decide what traditions you want to stop, pass down, or even create for your family? What is your favorite family tradition? The candy corn debate, who else can relate with Jolene and has a strong love for candy corn?   Resources mentioned: We’ve pulled together any resources mentioned in this episode and put together some links: Thank you for allowing us into your lives and helping us make mental health more relatable and a part of your everyday conversation! For more information or to access all episodes visit TherapistsUncut.com.   Who we are: Nikki Young is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Nikki keeps it personable. Nikki keeps it personable and professional. Yet, she always manages to keep the Therapists Uncut family and followers laughing. You may find her squirreling through topics, stories, or jokes, and all in good fun. Don't worry because someone (usually Jolene) will bring her back around to the conversation. Nikki is a licensed marriage and family therapist in her private practice located in Modesto, CA, and she is also a Crisis Junkie at heart. In addition to being co-owner of a group private practice, she is also a crisis clinician responding to local mental health crisis and emergencies. Learn more about Nikki at catalystcounselinginc.com Alyssa Najera is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Alyssa is typically calm and composed on most days, but often has difficulty containing her excitement about the little things in life. She can sometimes drift into daydreaming about the endless possibilities in life and usually the last one of the group to understand Nikki and Jolene's punchlines.  She loves to laugh, spread positivity, and is often caught with a smile on her face. Alyssa is also a Child Welfare Services (CWS) social worker and supervisor alumni, previous child sexual abuse forensic interviewer, and owner and CEO of a group private practice in the small town of Oakdale, CA. Learn more about Alyssa at smalltowncounselingca.com or alyssanajera.com. Jolene Daly is co-host of Therapists Uncut and a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Jolene is a seasoned therapist and private practice owner. She grew up in the Turlock, CA and Modesto, CA area most of her adult life and has been married to her comedian of a husband Jason for 20 years.  She is a genuine, authentic person with a bold personality. You'll often catch Jolene challenging our listeners and her fellow co-hosts, as she is passionate about her personal and professional values and is vocal when it comes to speaking out for what’s right. Learn more about Jolene at dalymft.com. Disclaimer: Thank you for joining Therapists Uncut, a production of AMP Smart Business. To learn more about Therapists Uncut and stay up on upcoming episodes, please subscribe and follow us on social media. As a reminder, although the Therapists Uncut co-hosts are licensed therapists, they are not your therapist. This podcast is not intended to substitute professional mental health counseling. If you need professional therapy, please contact your local provider or primary care provider.  Thanks for listening and we’ll see you on the next episode of Therapists Uncut! Social Media Links Instagram @therapistsuncut Facebook @therapistsuncut Credits: Therapists Uncut is a production of AMP Smart Business. Voice Over by Alexia Gloria