Dr. Stephanie Carinia holds a a BSc, MSc. and a post-graduate degree in Clinical psychology at the University of Amsterdam, the equivalent of a PsyD. She's a registered ‘gezondheidszorgpsycholoog’ (clinical psychologist) in the Netherlands. Dr. Carinia is also a registered CBT, EMDR & MBT therapist, trained in Schema focused therapy and working psychodynamically. She is specialized in personality disorders, trauma and addiction. In this episode, we dive into the complexities of covert versus overt narcissism and the lasting effects on children as they transition into adulthood. We discuss how growing up with narcissistic parents, especially narcissistic mothers, can lead to a lack of self-identity, struggles with boundaries, and a sense of insecurity and instability. *I am currently accepting new clients virtually in California. Feel free to email me at taramontazeritherapy@gmail.com to schedule a 15-min consultation or click here to learn more. FYI this episode was recorded last year when I was working in a different setting/still working at a treatment center.FOLLOW DR. CARINIA:INSTAGRAM: @psychologiststephanieWEBSITE: https://psychologiststephanie.com/STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Dr. Drea Letamendi (she/her/ella) is a clinical psychologist, media consultant, and TEDx speaker with degrees and training from Cornell University, UCSD, and UCLA. Dr. Drea is a practitioner-educator based in Los Angeles and holds a Masters and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. At UCLA, she serves as a campus mental health and wellbeing consultant leading resilience, crisis-response, and suicide prevention initiatives. She manages a private practice as a behavioral health advisor for the gaming, visual effects, and entertainment media industries (with clients including Warner Bros., Marvel/Disney, and Lionsgate). By way of social media and podcasting, Dr. Drea uses storytelling in film, television, gaming, and comics to teach audiences about resilience, cultural healing and liberation psychology. She created and hosts The Arkham Sessions, a podcast about the psychology of superheroes and other pop culture narratives.She has written publications about the positive impacts of media storytelling on mental health, and her latest publication is titled, The Force Awakens: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Using Star Wars. In this episode, we explore the world of fictional characters and the connection to psychology and mental health. From superheroes to villains, we uncover how these characters can offer a sense of belonging, a mirror to our own struggles, and a way to process personal trauma. We discuss how storytelling allows us to confront our own experiences and how these characters often reflect the most vulnerable parts of ourselves. We also also touch on why horror stories can bring comfort and a sense of cathartic relief for certain people, and the psychology behind rewatching our favorite comfort shows and movies as a way to ease anxiety. Overall, we share an insightful conversation about the psychological impact of fiction and how connecting with these characters can be a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. *I am currently accepting new clients virtually in California. Feel free to email me at taramontazeritherapy@gmail.com to schedule a 15-min consultation or click here to learn more.FOLLOW DR. DREA:PODCAST: The Arkham SessionsINSTAGRAM: @drdreapsychologyWEBSITE: https://drdreapsychology.com/STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Hi all! I'm excited to share that I'm accepting new clients in California. You can email me at taramontazeritherapy@gmail.com to schedule a consultation and/or click here to see if we may be a good fit.In this episode, I share updates about my current work situation and feelings around change. See you next week for a guest episode!STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveCLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION: https://www.trustandthrivestyle.com/FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Blake Blankenbecler, LCMHC is a psychodynamic therapist and friendship educator. She has a private practice, Fig Holistic Psychotherapy in Charlotte, North Carolina where she gets to help folks come into greater compassion and integration with their story, their body, and their emotions. Out of her work emerged a desire to study some of the most foundational and pivotal relationships that hardly get anytime in the spotlight: our friendships. She believes that life is meant to be lived in connection and helps friends have more meaningful conversations and create more sustainable friendships. Blake created The Friendship Deck, a conversation game for friends who are craving more depth and intimacy with each other that can be purchased at www.thefriendshipdeck.comIn this episode, we dive into the challenges of making and maintaining friendships in adulthood. We explore the complex feelings that may come up with friendship breakups, navigating life paths that no longer align, dealing with comparison, and so much more. We touch on recognizing friendships that either drain us or energize us, and how to identify toxic patterns in relationships. We also discuss the importance of setting boundaries with friends and exploring how dynamics may evolve as we grow older. Hope you enjoy this episode in honor of celebrating beautiful friendships and Galentine's Day :)*I am currently accepting new clients virtually in California. Feel free to email me at taramontazeritherapy@gmail.com to schedule a 15-min consultation or click here to learn more.FOLLOW BLAKE:FRIENDSHIP DECK: www.thefriendshipdeck.comINSTAGRAM: @blakeblankenbeclerWEBSITE: https://www.blakeblankenbecler.com/STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Sheva Rajaee, MFT, is the founder and director of The Center for Anxiety and OCD in Irvine, CA, where she manages a team of clinicians specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).She has spoken about her own OCD journey in a 2017 TEDxUCLA Talk, has appeared on CNN, been interviewed in HuffPost, and is the author of Relationship OCD: A CBT-based Guide to Move Beyond Obsessive Doubt, Anxiety and Fear of Commitment in Romantic Relationships.In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of Relationship OCD (ROCD), exploring the normal doubts and misconceptions that come with love and relationships. We discuss the pressure to always have certainty, the myth of the 'perfect' relationship, and how the grass is often not greener on the other side.We also emphasize the importance of embracing uncertainty, trusting yourself, and making decisions from a place of calm, not anxiety. We hope this episode can remind you that you're not alone. FOLLOW SHEVA:MASTERCLASS: https://programs.caocd.com/rocdINSTAGRAM: @theshrinkwrapBOOK: Relationship OCDSTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Israa is a psychotherapist, speaker, and founder of the digital mental health brand WellGuide on Instagram. Israa creates meaningful and thoughtful experiences about our emotional wellbeing through therapy, workshops, engaging creative content, and speaking engagements. She has been featured as a mental health expert on Business Insider, NBC News and teenVogue, to name a few. Israa has been a licensed therapist for 10 years (in Ontario, Canada and now in New York State). She is certified for Cognitive Behavior Therapy at The Beck Institute and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy at The Albert Ellis Institute. Israa is currently licensed as a limited permit mental health counsellor in New York State. She has spent 6 years working the digital mental health field. In this episode, we unpack the myths and realities of toxic productivity and the outdated idea of "paying your dues." We explore how systems play a role in creating shame and guilt around productivity, and the harms of "hustle culture."We also discuss the impact of burnout, the ways we can create healthier habits, and how to regulate difficult emotions as a way to prevent burnout and increase one's overall well-being. FOLLOW ISRAA: INSTAGRAM: @well.guideBOOK: Toxic ProductivitySTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Hi all! If you're like me, you may cry on your birthday...from feeling a mix of emotions. I'm so thankful to turn 30 today and to enter this new decade - also feeling anxiety, excitement, all the feels. In this solo episode, I share reflections and lessons from the past decade - specifically beliefs and ways of coping I'd like to leave in my 20s and ones I'd like to take with me into the new decade. Thank you for being here and for being a huge part of my 20s! Forever thankful for this community.STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveCLOTHING SUBSCRIPTION: https://www.trustandthrivestyle.com/FACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Jenna Overbaugh is a licensed counselor specializing in OCD, anxiety, and related conditions since 2008. With lived experience and expertise in treating some of the most severe OCD and anxiety cases, she now creates self-help resources and digital products for those dealing with intrusive thoughts. She’s also the host of All the Hard Things podcast, where she empowers listeners to break free from fear and reclaim their lives.In this episode, we dive into the complexities of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We explore common misconceptions on OCD and shed light on the true impact it has on those who live with it. We discuss the difference between myths and reality, unpacking what OCD really looks like and how it affects daily life.Jenna and I both share our personal experiences as mental health professionals living with OCD. We also explore different treatment options, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). We also dive deep into the importance of sitting with discomfort and how this practice can help individuals regain control over their thoughts and behaviors. FOLLOW JENNA: INSTAGRAM: @jenna.overbaughWEBSITE: https://jennaoverbaughlpc.comSTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

As a licensed holistic psychotherapist and transformational coach, Shenikka operates within a trauma-informed, culturally conscious, and anti-oppressive framework. With close 20 years of experience, Shenikka's personal journey with trauma and chronic illness has been her most valuable teacher, guiding her to appreciate the significance of nervous system regulation, somatic therapy, EFT (Emotion Freedom Tapping), and inner child modalities. This understanding has driven her to delve deep into holistic-based approaches. Shenikka draws from somatic experiencing, inner child work, mindfulness, and IFS-informed modalities.In this episode, we explore the connection between our emotions and our bodies, breaking cycles in our individual lives and systemically, and the value in noticing somatic symptoms.  We discuss the practice of tuning into one's bodily sensations to recognize and process emotions in a more grounded, holistic way. We also discuss the importance of deconstructing practices that can perpetuate harmful cycles, especially within the mental health field. FOLLOW SHENIKKA: INSTAGRAM: @the.healingvibeWEBSITE: www.thehealingvibetherapist.comSTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK: @trustandthriveTHREADS: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontEMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Victoria Cortez, LMFT is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, speaker, coach, and founder of First Gen Feeler, an organization dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace their emotions, set healthy boundaries, and break unhealthy generational patterns. As a first-generation Latina therapist and daughter of immigrants, Victoria is passionate about guiding others on their healing journeys, helping them connect with their inner selves and cultivate a life of emotional well-being so they can thrive and be present in every aspect of their lives. With a background as a musician and songwriter, she values creativity and often weaves artistic expression into her work, using it as a tool for connection and healing. Through First Gen Feeler, she defines a "First Gen Feeler" as someone who is the first in their family to actively pursue healing, process their emotions, and disrupt unhealthy generational cycles. Her work focuses on creating a safe space for growth, self-reflection, and inner healing, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by first-generation individuals. If you are interested in finding out more about working with Victoria, check out firstgenfeeler.com.In this episode, we explore the challenges of setting boundaries during the holidays, especially when dealing with boundary guilt and navigating the pressures of a collectivist family culture. We discuss ways to break certain cycles while still honoring family traditions, and dive deep into what it can look like to grow up as a first-generation feeler.FOLLOW VICTORIA: INSTAGRAM: @firstgenfeelerWEBSITE: www.firstgenfeeler.comSTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveTWITTER: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontWEBSITE: www.tara-mont.com EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com