Well, well...

WE HAVE SOME NEWS! After a couple of years things are changing at Viva and that means that we're switching it up. Tune in as we say our goodbyes...for now.

Are you dealing with the natural variances in mood during the winter months or Seasonal Affective Disorder?  Listen and find out!Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects about 10 million US adults. That's a lot of people! Learn what the signs of SAD are and what steps you can take to make life better if you're dealing with symptoms.

Do you make New Year's Resolutions? Many people do, but many people also struggle with making progress on their goals.Whether you set goals, or intentions (or not!) we're here to offer some feedback and suggestions on how to move forward with intention. Please share your own challenges so we can normalize this. Share this episode with a friend who also may need to hear it. Thanks for your support!

This time of year, in particular, comes with a lot more financial stress. And this is on top of inflation, and as some would argue, a looming recession. It's time to normalize the stress that comes with money. We're all feeling it in different ways! Tune in as we explore how to navigate some of these challenges for the sake of your mental health.

How do you navigate relationships with family members? Family can be complicated. As the holiday season approaches, you might need some help reframing your relationship to family, and we're here for you! Listen to our latest episode on managing time and energy with family, however you feel about them.

Have you ever heard of a parasocial relationship? Are you a fanatic of your favorite celebrity or influencer? Does this get in the way of your relationships our daily life?Listen to Jor-El and Rachel as they dig into stan culture and navigating relationships with celebrities or influencers (and the complications of it all). We hope this one resonates with you and helps you reflect on what makes these relationships so powerful for you.And if you like what you hear (or not) please leave a podcast review and share this episode with a friend!

How good are you at accepting criticism? Challenging feedback can be tough for anyone so there's no need to feel any shame if it's hard for you. We're here to support you!Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo as they talk about navigating criticism and dealing with "haters."Editor's Note: You're not imagining the unfortunate beeping sound. Just chalk it up to NYC living. Sorry!

Do you choose your relationships over friends? Or friends over your relationship?On this episode Rachel and Jor-El explore the idea of prioritizing friendships, or how little we actually do that in practice. Press play to hear their thoughts and join in on the conversation on social media. Do you treat your friends as equal to your relationship, or less than? Do you prioritize your partner over all other people in your life? We want to know!

As companies require more employees to return to in-person office work and discuss hybrid options, there's a lot of tension about the work from home debate. Where do you fall in the discussion?Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo share their thoughts on the intersection of work from home, justice and accessibility.  Let us know your thoughts by joining the conversation. Share your thoughts on Instagram @vivamentalhealth.

In today's episode we're taking it back to a one of our favorite episodes on the difference between intention versus impact. Tune in and join the conversation with us!

In this episode we're taking it back to episode 67 to talk all things healthcare. If you find yourself stuck in searching for "doctors near me" then this episode is for you!

How often are you offered unsolicited advice, and how do you feel about that? How often do you offer it?Rachel and Jor-El weigh in on this dynamic and give you some things to think about if you're often feeling compelled to change someone else's behavior. Thanks for listening!

Recently, performer Lizzo came under fire for using an ableist slur in one of her newest songs. She quickly issued an apology and changed it. The power that has!Tune as Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo weigh in on the power of language and its role in dehumanization. Please give the episode a thumbs up by writing a review and sharing with a friend who would appreciate the conversation. Thank you for listening!Related reading: The Ten Stages of Genocide (Holocaust Memorial Day Trust)

Buffalo. Uvalde. Chattanooga. New York City. Taft. Port Richmond. These days it seems almost impossible to keep up with the horror of mass shootings and gun violence in the United States.In our latest episode licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo share what the news gets wrong about gun violence and steps you can take today to prevent more senseless death and trauma for so many. 

Other than questions about getting started with therapy, one of the questions that often comes up is how do you know when it's time to end therapy (or “break up” with your therapist)?Join us for our latest episode as Jor-El and Rachel explore how to terminate therapy and signs that your therapist still keeps your best interest at heart - even while you're leaving.  

Aging is a natural human process. If that's the case, then why do we have such complicated feelings about it? Tune in to our latest episode as therapists Rachel and Jor-El talk about our collective relationship to aging and how we can start to see getting older a bit differently.

Can men and women be “just friends?” It's probably a question you've come across before but maybe you haven't heard two therapists talk it through. Tune in as Rachel Gersten, LMHC and Jor-El Caraballo, LMHC reflect on the idea, the assumptions we make about gender (and sexuality), and identify an inclusive path forward.We are so thankful for you listening to the show! Please rate and review this episode, and, as always, send us your thoughts, questions and comments on Instagram (@vivamentalhealth). We'd love to hear from you! 

Are you in a relationship and wondering, “is it time to break up with my partner?”  If so, then this podcast is for you.Relationships are not that black and white, and neither is the choice to leave. It can be tough to sort through. Tune in as therapists Rachel and Jor-El explore some things to consider as a relationship faces its potential end.

How often do you find yourself deep in shame or self-criticism when things aren't going your way? Do you feel this when you're trying to access healthcare, commute or find a therapist? The barrier might be bigger than you or your attitude.Tune in as licensed therapists and Viva co-founders Jor-El Caraballo and Rachel Gersten dig into the tension between individual concerns and systemic failures. We hope you enjoy!Related reading:https://vivamentalhealth.com/please-vote/

Is high-functioning actually a thing?  If you've been on the gram or TikTok then you'd probably think so! Tune in to listen to this episode as mental health experts and licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo break it down.Rate and review this episode! And, as always, send us your thoughts, questions and comments on Instagram (@vivawellnessnyc). We'd love to hear from you! 

Who do you take seriously these days and where do you get your information?There's been a lot of changes in how we get information and who we trust (PS believe science!). Why is that?  The rise of social media and influencer culture impacts our lives, the choices we make and who we trust. Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk about the rise of amateurism and why we really need to be listening to experts whenever we can. Give professionals their flowers!

How often do you check your assumptions?Whether you like the old phrase (you know the one) about making assumptions or not, it's something that we all do. We can't escape that! But, if we make it a point to check on our assumptions we can prevent some unintentional harm and damage in our relationships. Tune in to our latest episode to hear licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo weigh in on how assumptions impact our daily lives.

Let's face it - we live in a social media world…especially in the middle of a global pandemic. We live a lot of our lives online, but should we be?  Social media can be good for us: it offers connection and community where we might not otherwise find it. But, it's also become another way for us to perform socially and sometimes share intimate details of our lives. Is it too much? Are you oversharing? Tune in to this episode for some suggestions in evaluating your relationship with social media and privacy.

We're getting real folks.The phrase “mental health crisis” has been thrown around quite a bit as we collectively struggle to grapple with the ongoing pandemic and recent surges. But, what does that mean? Are we REALLY in a mental health crisis as a society?Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo explore what a crisis of mental health means and how certain figures only talk about mental health when they are experiencing something they don't like (hint: THAT'S NOT A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS…and its ableist language, to be honest).And as always, send us your thoughts, questions and comments. We'd love to hear from you! Check in with us on our socials at @vivawellnessnyc.

Have you ever felt the pressure to be happier than you were actually feeling? If so, you might have been dealing with toxic positivity.All emotions are a part of the human experience and you deserve the right to feel all the feels! Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El reflect on toxic positivity culture and offer up some thoughts on embracing how you really feel (and creating space for others to do so too).

2022 is almost here! No matter what you've been through this year, if you want to take a moment to reflect and process your year then this episode is for you! Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El share some thoughts on how to reflect on the year behind you with meaning, authenticity and intention. Enjoy!

More and more we find ourselves having conversations about accountability, especially when it comes to social causes. But this is something we also run into in our own personal relationships - but what does the word actually mean? What does it mean to hold someone truly accountable...and what about yourself?Tune into our latest episode as licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El talk all things accountability. We hope this helps!  And as always, send us your thoughts, questions and comments. We'd love to hear from you! Check in with us at @vivawellnessnyc.

It's official...holiday season is upon us!  How are you taking care of yourself as you navigate this time of year? Many of us are celebrating in ways similar to last year, but as vaccination rates have increased many more people are traveling and reconnecting in person with family members, and loved ones, for the first time in a long while.  Listen to our latest episode as Rachel and Jor-El talk through navigating the 2021 holiday season. Check the show notes for our other holiday season episodes for a bit more support as well. Enjoy!Recommended listening:Managing Your Mental Health During the HolidaysManaging Your Mental Health During a Pandemic Holiday Season

We all have them, but we also shame ourselves for having them. But what's actually a bad habit and what's not? HOW CAN WE KNOW?!Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk about the trap of black and white thinking as well as how we view personal habits. We think you'll gain a lot from this one. Take a listen, share with a friend and rate and review too. Thanks for listening!

“Well, I didn't mean it that way!”How many times have you heard (or said) that?  When it comes to relationships and conversations, being vulnerable enough to say that you're hurt is never easy and being told that what you did hurt someone doesn't feel good either, especially if you didn't intend to cause harm. Listen in as Rachel and Jor-El discuss how important intent and impact is (and what matters most).  And yes, we also talk about Dave Chappelle's recent special.

How do you feel about dating?Maybe dating is exciting for you as you get to meet new people and have fun, but for many dating isn't quite as fun. It often can be draining and nerve-wracking.  Well, we're here to help!In our latest episode licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo talk through some of the challenges of dating and offer up some guidance and support for your journey. Take a listen and don't forget to tell us what you think by rating and reviewing the episode. Thanks for listening!

Contrary to popular belief, therapists aren't perfect because hey, no humans are! In our latest episode Rachel and Jor-El share their perspectives on mental health trends and own up to their own petty behaviors. It's an exercise in modeling imperfection! Tune in to learn more about our hosts and revel in your imperfections with us.

Unfortunately, it looks like COVID-19 isn't going away anytime soon. This is more true than ever as we now have the Delta variant making its way through communities. How do we cope with the ongoing virus threat? Hosts and licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El offer up some tips on how to manage the next few months and your risk. Also, GET VACCINATED!Related: F* Your Feelings (from the Viva blog)Looking to the Future & Having Tough COVID Conversations (podcast episode)

DO YOU LIKE PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA?!No, that's not actually what this episode is about but helps us illustrate the point of how judgmental all of us can be (you probably had a strong reaction to that question, right?). This week we're talking through the fallacy of being a “non-judgmental person.” Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk through how to offer yourself some compassion while also trying to manage your inevitable judgement.  Please leave a rating and review and share this episode with a friend. And, as always, join the conversation with us on social media @vivawellnessnyc!

Do you feel the constant pressure to stay busy and productive? If so, you're not alone. Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo talk through the perils of productivity and hustle culture and finding the path that works best for you. Join the conversation with us on social media and share this episode with a friend who could benefit from it. Thanks for listening! Related resource:The Nap Ministry https://twitter.com/TheNapMinistry

The healthcare system has its challenges (particularly in the United States) but how do you go about finding the right care in a seriously flawed system?  Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk through some strategies to navigate the realities of the healthcare system. Hopefully it offers up some tips to consider, as well as some very real validation of the difficulties so many of us face. As always, take some time to join in on the conversation on Instagram @vivawellnessnyc. Thanks for listening!Related reading: Healthcare Needs to Be More Accessible How Can We Advance the Conversation Around Healthcare for All?

What gets you going when the struggle is real?  If you're feeling a bit stuck then we hope this episode will help you power through. In this episode licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo get into the nitty gritty of how to find motivation, how it's like commitment and ways you can push yourself and embrace self-compassion at the same time. What are you working towards right now? Join the conversation with us on Instagram @vivawellnessnyc. Thanks for listening!

Do you ever find yourself enraged by the poor behavior of others? Have YOU sometimes been that person? Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El talk about situations in which this poor behavior comes up (there is a bit of ranting in this episode tbh) and offer a call for us all to be more conscious of treating fellow humans with compassion and respect.  As always, we appreciate your thoughts and feedback. Share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. 

Have you ever experienced a break up with a good friend? It can be incredibly difficult to cope and that’s exactly what we’re talking about in today’s episode. Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk about how this happens, what it feels like and maybe some ideas of how to move forward. What’s your experience been with breaking up with a friend? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc.  We’d love to hear from you about this episode and what other topics you’d like to see covered on the podcast!  

Recently, pro tennis player Naomi Osaka decided to take some time off from the French Open, and upcoming Wimbeldon tournament, after stating she’d be avoiding doing press for mental health reasons. Her statements caused quite a stir and in our latest episode Jor-El and Rachel discuss the dynamics of the statements, and the fallout, and how it relates to how we all respond to setting limits for our mental health. Additional reading: Osaka’s Follow Up Statement (via her Instagram) Outrage over Naomi Osaka shows what we're still getting wrong about mental health (via USA Today)

When you’re exploring social justice issues how often are you exploring the realities of ableism? If you’re like most people, then likely not enough. Tune in to our latest episode as we explore what ableism really means and offer some perspective shifts to be a better supporter of those who live with disabilities, remove stigma and improve access. Additional reading: Supporting Someone with Chronic Pain via Viva Wellness blog (link) Disabling Ableism via Dignity and Respect (link) Spoon Theory Basics (link)

It’s been about a year since everyone posted those black squares on social media but where are we now? Social justice issues are still at the forefront of our lives. Black lives are still at risk. Asian people are experiencing violence and harassment at alarming rates. Queer and trans folks still disporpotionately face violence.  You want to learn more and do better, but where do you start? We’re here to help! In this latest episode we break down the theme of social justice and what it means in day-to-day life and mental health.  Tune in, join the conversation and share your thoughts. Related reading: The Burden of Being Woke & Why It’s OK to Rest (via the Viva Wellness blog) What is ‘Sealioning’? - A Type of Trolling (via Merriam-Webster)

Do you think that you handle conflict well in your relationship? Maybe have some areas in which you’d like to improve?  Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Also: do you know where the phrase “piggyback” come from?! Tune in as licensed therapist Rachel and Jor-El offer some helpful feedback on navigating conflict when you can’t necessarily create a lot of distance.  We hope this helps! You may also enjoy reading: How to Handle Arguments in a Relationship

As an increasing number of people get vaccinated against COVID-19 and time charges on, we are getting closer to the next chapter in navigating the coronavirus pandemic.  How do you manage conversations around boundaries and challenge yourself, and others, when appropriate? Therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo weigh in on these tricky times with some things to consider as you move forward. We hope it helps you practice greater self-awareness, identify ways to share, and better communicate with those around you. You can view the current CDC recommendations for fully vaccinated people at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html

Unfortunately, mental health has been in the news recently as many have tried to make sense of the high profile gun violence in Atlanta and Boulder.  Listen in as therapists Jor-El and Rachel explain why that conversation is problematic and how we should be exploring the relationship between mental illness and violence (among other things…).  Please join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. We’d love to hear from you about this episode and what other topics you’d like to see covered on the podcast!

For most of us we’ve spent a year (or more) living with the pandemic of COVID-19. As more people get vaccinated and things start to open up for more in-person services how do we get back to “normal”? Mental health counselors Rachel and Jor-El share some thoughts on how you might think about getting to a new normal in this new world and how to manage some of your thoughts and anxieties about it. Tune in to the latest episode and join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc.  Enjoy!

What role does fear of failure play in your life? Unfortunately, failure is a part of life. By understanding what we’re really scared of when it comes to failure, we can learn how resilient we can be.  Tune into our latest episode to hear licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El explore what failure means and some practical things to consider in facing down our fears and anxieties about not succeeding. Join Feel free to share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. We look forward to hearing from you!  

Wanting to move forward on your goals and not feeling the motivation to do so is an uncomfortable feeling. There are many reasons why we might get stuck in these moments and we’re here to help!   Tune in to our latest episode as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo discuss being stuck and offer up some ideas on how to get un-stuck too.  What helps you find motivation when you can’t power through?  Feel free to share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. We look forward to your thoughts.   Related reading:Get Those Goals   Your Goals Should Be Smart   How to Fight Self-Sabotage    

Do you have a hard time saying no? If so, this episode is for you! In our latest episode licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El weigh in on something most people struggle with - saying no! Tune in as they discuss some straightforward strategies to say no and other factors to consider when you’re trying to set a boundary with someone.  We think this episode can be helpful no matter the situation you find yourself in. Please join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify. We’d love to read your thoughts! Related reading: http://vivawellnessblog.com/2020/07/09/its-not-always-about-like/ http://vivawellnessblog.com/2020/08/13/dont-worry-its-ok-to-say-no-to-people/ http://vivawellnessblog.com/2021/01/25/the-problem-with-self-care/

Do you consider yourself a productive or a “lazy” person?  This is a big conversation that’s happening these days, especially as many of us struggle to stay productive during the pandemic.  Well, we can help! Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El use their experiences as licensed therapists to provide support and insight to help you move forward when you’re feeling unmotivated and unproductive. Hint: you’re not a lazy person!  Say it with us, “I am not lazy but I can be lazy.” And, as always, join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify.

How are you sleeping these days? Is it easy or difficult for you? Many people struggle with sleep issues each year and today we’re diving into one of the most commonly reported issues in mental - how to get better sleep!  Tune in as Viva Wellness licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo talk through sleep hygiene basics and finding your own path to better sleep. Join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter @vivawellnessnyc and feel free to leave a rating and review on iTunes and Spotify. Related: The One Yoga Pose I Do Nightly for Better Sleep Resource: Sleep Hygiene Basics (American Academy of Sleep Medicine) Sleep tight!