Therapy Etc.

There are 92 days until the New Year, as of the recording date of 9/30/2021. This is the end of Season 1 of Therapy Etc. and I will be taking a break to enjoy the last 92 days of this year, evaluate goals for 2022, and nourishing myself.   See you back here for Season 2!   To learn more about me and my work, check me out here: www.alvaradotherapy.org Instagram: @therapyetcpodcast Instagram: @alvaradotherapy  Email: patricia@alvaradotherapy.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDV2PpaxADKmZ3XXDJJK4A

Welcome to Episode 15 of Therapy, Etc Podcast where I have Stephanie Sorady, MSW sharing about her experiences as a recent graduate and the social work advocacy that continuously inspires her.    Stephanie and I discuss her experience graduating from her Mastre's program during quarantine and stepping out into the professional world. She also shares about her new poetry book, “Kiss from God” where she discusses her own journey with mental health as a way to help others that may be struggling or have struggled with seeking professional support.    Stephanie Sorady is writer, social worker and multi-passionate mental health advocate born and raised in Los Angeles. Stephanie's mother immigrated from Mexico, and she proudly incorporates her multicultural background into her work and is a bilingual clinician. She loves nothing more than guiding others to realize their strengths and create healthy lives they love. Stephanie received her Bachelor's in Social Sciences with an emphasis in Psychology from the University of Southern California and her Master's in Social Work from Columbia University. I hope you enjoy this episode and if you are interested in learning more or connecting with Stephanie Sorady, please feel free to reach out!    She can be reached at: Instagram: @stephaniesorady_msw Website: https://www.stephaniesorady.com/ To learn about her new book, “Kiss from God”: https://www.stephaniesorady.com/buy-my-book To learn more about me and my work, check me out here: www.alvaradotherapy.org Instagram: @therapyetcpodcast Instagram: @alvaradotherapy  Email: patricia@alvaradotherapy.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDV2PpaxADKmZ3XXDJJK4A

Welcome to Episode 14 of Therapy, Etc Podcast where I have Dr. Nallely Arteaga sharing about her experiences not only within the high school level but at the university level, working with various communities.  Nallely discusses her experiences being a minority woman within the teaching system at the university level. She talks about how she works with different personalities and above all, how she takes care of herself in order to continuously have open dialogue surrounding racial injustice.  Dr. Nallely Arteaga is an Assistant Professor at CSU Dominguez Hills in the Teacher Education Department. She has a Ph.D. in Education from UC Riverside and is a former continuation high school teacher. As a Critical Race scholar, her research examines the racialized pushout of Black and Latinx students into alternative schools. Her work unpacks inequitable policies and practices in the K-12 school system that result in school pushout that are supported by deficit framed ideologies that often result in internalized racism, anti-black racism, and linguistic racism. Dr. Arteaga is a first-generation Latina and daughter of immigrant parents.  I hope you enjoy this episode and if you are interested in learning more or connecting with Dr. Arteaga, please feel free to reach out!    To learn more about me and my work, check me out here: www.alvaradotherapy.org Instagram: @therapyetcpodcast Instagram: @alvaradotherapy  Email: patricia@alvaradotherapy.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDV2PpaxADKmZ3XXDJJK4A

Welcome to Episode 13 of Therapy, Etc Podcast where I have Gabby Gonzalez Leung, sharing about her experience about her recent diagnosis, Multiple Sclerosis, otherwise known as MS.    Autoimmune diseases are debilitating and often undetectable to passersby but those of us living with these conditions can attest to how lonely and spiritually weakening these conditions can be. March of 2019 brought the scariest moment of Gabby Gonzalez Leung's life when headaches and double vision led to an emergency MRI and the introduction of the words “Multiple Sclerosis” from a team of neurologists at UCLA Medical. Although nothing can cure MS, Gabby has been able to manage her physical and mental well-being through an overhaul of her relationship with food, embracing the practice of daily gratitude, her spiritual faith, and seeking the help of her therapist to cope with the new normal.   I hope you enjoy this episode and are able to gain knowledge and information on how you can obtain support for yourself or a loved one. This is difficult and no one should be going through this alone.    If you or someone you know is struggling with an autoimmune disease, please feel free to reach out directly to Gabby Gonzalez Leung for help or support: gabbygonzalez12@gmail.com To learn more about me and my work, check me out here: www.alvaradotherapy.org Instagram: @therapyetcpodcast Instagram: @alvaradotherapy  Email: patricia@alvaradotherapy.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDV2PpaxADKmZ3XXDJJK4A

“You can get even OR you can get ahead”    Welcome to Episode 12 of Therapy, Etc, a bimonthly conversation on all things mental health!    In today's episode, we have Adonica Shaw, who is named as one of the top 136 Black Innovators in STEM + Arts by Wonder Women Tech, Adonica is the founder of the health-focused internet company, Wingwomen, and an intentional wellness advocate who is dedicated to cultivating digital spaces that motivate professional women to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to self-care.   Adonica shares the importance of following your instinct and remembering that you are worthy and capable of taking a seat at the table, unapologetically. She encompasses mindfulness by listening to your body and normalizes the feelings that come up for many of us in various spaces.    I hope you enjoy this conversation!    Resources mentioned:   Website: adonicashaw.com Instagram: @adonicashaw Wingwomen: www.mywingwomen.com/   To learn more about me and my work, check me out here: www.alvaradotherapy.org Instagram: @therapyetcpodcast Instagram: @alvaradotherapy  Email: patricia@alvaradotherapy.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDV2PpaxADKmZ3XXDJJK4A

In Episode 11 of Therapy, Etc. Podcast, we have ​​Dr. Veronica Eyo who is a Bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Los Angeles. She specializes in working with mothers, new and seasoned, throughout the triumphs and struggles of motherhood.    She also has a special place in her heart for working with students, especially first-generation students in providing support throughout their academic journey. She recently completed her EdD where she researched the factors that contribute to the success of student mamas pursuing their higher education goals. Her research was fueled by her own journey of getting her doctorate as a student mother.   Within this episode, Veronica shares about her experiences growing up AfroLatina, having a Mexican mother and a Nigerian father. She shares that within her upbringing there were not many words to help her identify with both of her cultures. Veronica discusses how she navigated her biracial heritage within her upbringing and the things she wants to instill within her own children.     If any of the experiences Veronica had resonated with you, please reach out to her via Instagram or through her website  Resources: Instagram: @drveronicaeyo to connect with Veronica and learn more about her.  Website: www.drveronicalcsw.com  To learn more about me and my work, check me out here: www.alvaradotherapy.org Instagram: @therapyetcpodcast Instagram: @alvaradotherapy  Email: patricia@alvaradotherapy.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDV2PpaxADKmZ3XXDJJK4A

In today's episode we have Janet E. Sevilla, who for over a decade has served as a sports philanthropy advocate and corporate social responsibility professional. Powered by a passion for equity and fair access to resources,  Janet has worked with multinational corporations, major league sports franchises, politicians,  and professional athletes to design and implement successful, socially responsible initiatives  that drive change in vulnerable communities.     Within our conversation, Janet shares about her role within the sports industry starting off at a very young age playing sports motivated by her brother, George. She later continues learning more about women and sports by becoming a 3-sport athlete in high school and trying out for the women's basketball team in college.    Janet shares about the perseverance that she had to have to keep going even when she was a minority in the room and her voice was silenced. She talks about the messages that were given to her including:    FEAR : False Expectations About Reality    ...which allowed her to really step into her power and keep going when the doors felt like they were always closing.  In 2020, Janet joined the No.1 largest convention, sports, and entertainment destination in the  world, the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), as the Manager of Sustainability and  Corporate Social Responsibility. Janet is responsible for developing and executing the  environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility strategy.  Before GWCCA, Janet served as the community affairs manager for the Atlanta Braves. She  strategically engaged the brand's platform by developing education, health/wellness, youth  baseball, community engagement programs, and fundraising for the Atlanta Braves Foundation.  In 2017, Janet played a key role in launching the Atlanta Braves Spanish language brand Los  Bravos and created a community segment called Los Bravos in the Community. Janet previously served as the community development coordinator with the Los Angeles Galaxy and the community relations associate with Los Angeles Lakers.  A Los Angeles native, Janet graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B. A. in Black Studies and  Spanish, with a concentration in Sports Management, and from the Cultivating Hispanic  Leadership Institute via the University of Georgia J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership  Development. In 2019, the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce recognized Janet as one  of the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia. Janet serves as a Board Member of WISE Atlanta,  a Hermanas Unidas, HYPE, and EME de Mujer member.   To learn more about Janet E. Sevilla and her story, please reach out to her here:  jesevilla108@gmail.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetesevilla/ Resources mentioned, if any:   To learn more about WISE - Women in Sports and Events please check out their website here: https://www.wiseworks.org   Janet also shares about a new platform: Latinx in Sports @LatinxinSports on Twitter    To learn more about me and my work, check me out here: www.alvaradotherapy.org Instagram: @therapyetcpodcast Instagram: @alvaradotherapy  Email: patricia@alvaradotherapy.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDV2PpaxADKmZ3XXDJJK4A

Welcome to another episode of Therapy, Etc!    Within today's episode I have a very special guest, my little sister Stephanie. Through this very raw and vulnerable conversation, we discuss our experiences growing up, how we felt within various stages of our life, and the healing that has come of it.   Stephanie shares lived experiences growing up with me, as her sister. She talks about the pain that was present and how we have been able to overcome it all to be the best friends that we are.    I thank you Piki for joining me today. I appreciate you so much and am so happy to know that we have been able to overcome so much within our lives. We show that despite the pain, anger, and resentment that was present - our love for each other can conquer it all.    I love you endlessly, gf!  Resources mentioned, if any:   To learn more about me and my work, check me out here: www.alvaradotherapy.org Instagram: @therapyetcpodcast Instagram: @alvaradotherapy  Email: patricia@alvaradotherapy.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDV2PpaxADKmZ3XXDJJK4A

Welcome to Episode 8 of Therapy Etc Podcast!    Within today's conversation, we talk with Erick Sanchez about music and mental health. Erick shares about his journey in learning and understanding music and how it has shaped the work that he does today. Erick discusses the entrepreneurial side of music, stating that he gives artists' space to allow them to be vulnerable in what they do.   Erick shares about all of this through his work within his company, Normandie Records. He allows us to learn a bit about his story and how he notices music playing a key role in many things that we do on a daily basis. Erick talks about other projects that he is involved in and how culture and music intersect.    Erick Sanchez is a Los Angeles based producer, podcaster, and vinyl collector. He received a Master of Arts in Music Industry Administration from the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication at California State University, Northridge. He is the founder and president of Normandie Records, a record label, media company and online retailer where his primary role is helping artists launch musical releases and creative campaigns in the United States and Latin America.   Resources mentioned, if any:   Check out more about Erick and Normandie Records: Instagram: @normandierecords Twitter: @normandierecords www.normandierecords.com   To learn more about me and my work, check me out here: www.alvaradotherapy.org Instagram: @therapyetcpodcast Instagram: @alvaradotherapy  Email: patricia@alvaradotherapy.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDV2PpaxADKmZ3XXDJJK4A

Welcome to another episode of Therapy Etc! In today's conversation, I talked to Marla about spending 1000 hours outside! Yes, you read that right, 1000 hours intentionally spent outside! She shares about what brought her to want to seek more outdoor time and how she came across this innovative challenge.   Marla talks about what the challenge is about and how she has been able to fit it into her day and make it a fun activity for the whole family.    Listen in to learn more!    Marla Dietz is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in California and Nevada, a National Certified Counselor and a credentialed School Counselor in the state of CA. Originally from Southern California, Marla and her family relocated to Northern Nevada in 2019 where she runs a private practice in Carson City, providing both in-person and virtual therapy. She specializes in trauma, depression and anxiety and utilizes EMDR and CBT/ TF- CBT in her practice. Marla worked extensively with young children and teens in her work as a school-based crisis therapist in Los Angeles and continues to work with children and their families in her practice.    Resources mentioned: To learn more about the 1000 Hour Challenge, click the link below: https://www.1000hoursoutside.com   To learn more about Marla Dietz and her work, check her out here: www.MarlaDietz.com IG @marladietz_therapy   To learn more about me and my work, check me out here: www.alvaradotherapy.org @therapyetcpodcast @alvaradotherapy  patricia@alvaradotherapy.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDV2PpaxADKmZ3XXDJJK4A

In today's episode, I have Dr. Jacqueline Guevara discussing how her life is, after living in Germany over the past 3 years. She shares about how she has been able to slow down and “take in the air.” Dr. Guevara shares about the challenges she has faced and how she adjusted to being Latina while living abroad!    Dr. Jacqueline Guevara is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Virginia and Washington DC) and proud daughter of immigrant parents from El Salvador and Guatemala. Born and raised in Washington DC, she has always had a tremendous passion for serving her community and fighting against mental health stigma, especially within marginalized communities. Dr. Guevara has over 12 years of social work experience spanning across community mental health, child welfare, juvenile justice, and school social work. She currently owns an online private practice where she specializes in trauma and first generation cultural stress/acculturative stress. She is also an adjunct professor teaching for Bachelor and Master level Social Work programs.    www.drjguevara.com FB/IG: @drjguevara     Find me at: www.alvaradotherapy.org @therapyetcpodcast @alvaradotherapy  patricia@alvaradotherapy.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDV2PpaxADKmZ3XXDJJK4A

Today I have a very personal conversation with Jenny Ton, owner of Jenny Ton Consulting based out of San Francisco, CA. Jenny shares about her learning experiences being a 2x times business owner as well as the advocacy that she has been doing surrounding Asian Hate. She shares about experiences that she has processed and endured within her AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) and BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) identity.    Jenny shares important messages surrounding “calling it out” and being anti-racist to help continue the conversations surrounding racism. She shares about her favorite tools for self care, including meditation and spending time outdoors riding her bicycle.     To learn more about Jenny Ton and work she is doing, please visit her website:   www.jennyton.com   She can also be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jennytonconsulting/ https://twitter.com/JTon_Consulting https://www.facebook.com/jenny.ton.consulting jennytonconsulting@gmail.com IG: Jenny.ton.consulting   Resources mentioned, if any:   Resources on Anti-Asian, Anti-Racist Hate & Bias jennyton.com/journal   IG: Jenny.ton.consulting Jennyton.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/jennytonconsulting/ https://twitter.com/JTon_Consulting https://www.facebook.com/jenny.ton.consulting jennytonconsulting@gmail.com   Find me at: www.alvaradotherapy.org @therapyetcpodcast @alvaradotherapy  patricia@alvaradotherapy.org  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQDV2PpaxADKmZ3XXDJJK4A

In today's conversation, we discuss how as first generation latinx people we are breaking the mold, leaning into the discomfort, and continuously asking questions. We share about childhood experiences that have transformed the way that we view ourselves within our circles today. Our guest, Herminio (JG) Gonzalez shares about his heritage, navigating his Guatemalan and Mexican roots, and being a modern day #GirlDad.    Herminio Gonzalez is a proud Angelino and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).  He provides mental health services to adults and children in South Central LA. He has been married for 4 years and is the father to one bebecita and 2 fur babies. He enjoys spending time with family, friends, traveling, and binge watching The Office!    Contact Herminio at:  herminio.gonzalez01@gmail.com   Find me at: www.alvaradotherapy.org @therapyetcpodcast @alvaradotherapy  patricia@alvaradotherapy.org 

Sustainability - how we can bring this to life in what we do. Today we talk with Ruby Rose Yepez, a thought leader who is passionate about giving back to her community, seeing opportunities, and taking action! She encompasses “service, community, and sustainability.”   Ruby discusses her work with energy in buildings and as a Yogi, sharing about her passion for community involvement and how she is consistently giving back. She shows that with patience and a positive mindset, anything is achievable.    Ruby Rose is a seasoned building industry professional with 15+ years experience specializing in affordable housing projects. Ruby Rose graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor of Architecture. She has gained industry experience through her work in architecture, construction, and sustainability consulting.     Ruby Rose currently supports Southern California Edison as a Senior Advisor. She is passionate about serving those around her, volunteering in a number of roles such as president of the Latino Professional Alumni Chapter at Cal Poly Pomona, Membership Director for the Latino Business Resource Group at SCE and offering free yoga classes to her local community to create unity amongst community members.   Find Ruby Rose at: Rubys' IG : @ladyrubyrose www.linkedin.com/in/ladyrubyrose  Find me at: www.alvaradotherapy.org @therapyetcpodcast @alvaradotherapy  patricia@alvaradotherapy.org 

Welcome Dr. Celina Benavides, a developmental psychologist, child and family studies professor, published researcher, and a mom of two young children. Her goal is to provide evidence-based practices to support parents, caregivers, and educators. Along with this, Celina also had her second child during the midst of uncertainty at the beginning of Covid-19. Celina shares the big decisions that she had to make as she navigated her new birth plan along with parenting two children.     You can find Dr. Celina Benavides at: Website: https://doctorcelina.com/ Instagram: @doctorcelinab dr.celinabenavides@gmail.com Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC80UBZJnL2TEXrrEsFi3bog Find me at:  www.alvaradotherapy.org @therapyetcpodcast @alvaradotherapy  patricia@alvaradotherapy.org

Today's episode focuses on the cultural differences that we see within the Latinx community. Oftentimes, there is a belief that all Latinx people are the same - even the term Latinx is not always accepted within various communities. Here, we talk with Cyndi Alfaro -  a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Muy orgullosa de sus raíces Salvadoreñas. She grew up all over the San Fernando Valley, in Los Ángeles California and recently relocated to be with her Colombian husband in Dallas, Texas! She's been dubbed an empath and a sensitive person and her own therapist told her “there's people who go into social work and then there's people who are born social workers. You were born a social worker!” So here she is!    Cyndi Alfaro, LCSW can be found on Instagram @TuPalabraEsTuMagia Find me at:  www.alvaradotherapy.org @therapyetcpodcast @alvaradotherapy  patricia@alvaradotherapy.org

The Therapy, Etc. Podcast is a bi-monthly conversation with Patricia Alvarado, a licensed mental health therapist in Los Angeles, Ca. Therapy, Etc. grew from a need to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health and my hope is that this podcast helps normalize everyday experiences. We will be exploring various topics that “move us” throughout our life and digging deep into all things mental health, because when you think about it, in one way or another, all things encompass mental health. Instagram:  @Therapyetcpodcast @AlvaradoTherapy www.AlvaradoTherapy.org