Trust & Thrive

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

Not many words today. Just hope you know you're not alone and that your feelings of grief, rage, confusion, disappointment, disgust are all valid.STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveTWITTER: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontWEBSITE: www.tara-mont.com EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Celebrating six years of Trust & Thrive! Reflecting on this journey, I share personal experiences that shaped me, the growth I’ve experienced both personally and professionally, and how the show has evolved along the way. I share some milestones, moments of imposter syndrome, and hopes for the future! Thank you all so much for being here and for being a part of this journey. Here's to many more years of T&T! STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveTWITTER: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontWEBSITE: www.tara-mont.com EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Ms. Carla Avalos is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional who was born and raised in Los Angeles, C.A. She is a daughter of a Salvadoran immigrant mother. Ms. Avalos works full-time as a Clinical supervisor for L.A.County Dept. Of Mental Health and also has a part time private practice providing individual and couples therapy. Ms. Avalos is licensed in California, Utah and Florida.Ms. Avalos is passionate about providing education and resources to the BIPOC and Latinx community regarding various mental health topics such as perinatal mental health awareness, breaking generational trauma patterns, relationships, self-care, boundaries and challenges of being a first gen.In this episode, we explore the world of relationship dynamics across different cultures and communities. We discuss how cultural expectations shape roles, boundaries, and interactions in partnerships. We also discuss the importance of understanding oneself within and outside of a relationship, and how being curious about diverse perspectives can enhance our connections.  FOLLOW CARLA: INSTAGRAM: @nuevoscaminostherapyWEBSITE: LinksSTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveTWITTER: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontWEBSITE: www.tara-mont.com EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Emily (she/her) is an LMHC in MA, and an LPC in PA. Emily runs a small group practice dedicated to relational and attachment based therapies. Emily loves working with clients who are looking to understand themselves in a deeper way and feel re-connected to their authenticity. Emily believes in bringing her whole personality to the therapeutic relationship, acknowledging that the therapeutic relationship serves as the vessel for healing. Emily loves being a therapist, and also loves yoga, baking, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her loved ones.  In this episode, we dive into Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. We discuss how learning to understand our different inner parts can transform our relationships and therapeutic practice. We discuss the significance of embracing our humanity as therapists, the dynamics of relational therapy, and how acknowledging our own parts can create more self-compassion for our current and past selves. FOLLOW EMILY: INSTAGRAM: @emilypowellcounselingservicesTIKTOK: @emilypowellcounselingWEBSITE: https://www.authenticselftherapycollective.com/IFS JournalSTAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveTWITTER: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontWEBSITE: www.tara-mont.com EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Alejandro Sandoval, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner and director of Sandoval Therapy, a group practice in Pasadena, California. Alejandro is formally trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Structural Family Therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Brainspotting, Trauma Resiliency Module (TRM), Trauma Regulation and Integration Process (T.R.I.P.), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), among others.In his private practice, Alejandro specializes in working with men, particularly those navigating challenges around relationships, emotional intimacy, and connection. Using a cultural trauma lens, he helps men understand and heal from inherited patriarchal beliefs, fostering deeper connections with themselves and others.Alejandro's advocacy for mental health in the Latinx/e/o community focuses on dismantling stigmas and stereotypes, particularly regarding men's emotional health. His expertise makes him a powerful voice in addressing mental health and professional development within the Latinx/e/o community, providing a much-needed gendered perspective on these important issues.In this episode, we explore the topic of men’s mental health and cultural influences and stigma that shape our view of seeking mental health support. We also dive deep into the grief that can accompany healing and therapy, and discuss the challenges of navigating an individualistic society after growing up in a collectivist culture. FOLLOW ALEJANDRO: INSTAGRAM: @Alejandro_Sandoval_TherapyTIKTOK: @sandovaltherapy.comWEBSITE: https://sandovaltherapy.com/STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveTWITTER: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontWEBSITE: www.tara-mont.com EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Hi all! In this solo episode, I share my experience in learning to sit with the discomfort, when it comes to anxiety. I discuss the challenges that come with learning to face my anxiety head-on and building more emotional resilience in the process.STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveTWITTER: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontWEBSITE: www.tara-mont.com EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Lauren Larkin, LMHC, is a warm and genuine psychotherapist with a Masters Degree in Mental Health & Wellness from NYU. She is both a therapist and content creator who speaks openly about her own experiences with mental health as well as her work in the field, specializing in anxiety, eating disorders, relationship issues and trauma. Her NY-based virtual private group practice offers individual, couples and group therapy.In this episode, we chat about Lauren's experience getting into the mental health field. We both fangirl over each other's content and discuss anxieties, fears, and the joys around posting online as a therapist. FOLLOW LAUREN: TIKTOK: @leltherapy INSTAGRAM: @leltherapyWEBSITE: https://leltherapy.com/STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveTWITTER: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontWEBSITE: www.tara-mont.com EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

Simone Saunders is a seasoned Registered Social Worker, therapist, content creator, and speaker dedicated to fostering mental health awareness and destigmatizing mental health issues especially within BIPOC communities.With a wealth of experience in the field, Simone has emerged as a trusted advocate and educator, committed to breaking down barriers surrounding mental health. As the founder and director of The Cognitive Corner, she has established a culturally responsive and trauma-informed group psychological practice where Simone and her team ensure that mental health services are not only accessible but also tailored to the unique needs of individuals who access services.In this episode, we discuss the connection between trauma and the body. We explore how trauma can manifest physically and how we can learn to be in tune with our body. We also discuss intellectualizing as a coping mechanism, and the importance of self-compassion on one's healing journey.FOLLOW SIMONE: INSTAGRAM: @thecognitivecornerWEBSITE: www.thecognitivecorner.ca STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveTWITTER: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontWEBSITE: www.tara-mont.com EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com

In this solo episode, I we explore the burden of constant guilt and my experience with feeling the need to prioritize others over myself. All. The. Time. I also share a personal experience at work related to feeling guilty for simply feeling happy. In this episode, I explore the parts of my inner child that have come out in these moments and how I'm learning to navigate breaking these cycles. I'm continuously learning to practice more self-compassion and show myself the love I show others.STAY CONNECTED:INSTA: @trustandthriveTIKOK:@trustandthriveTWITTER: @trustandthriveFACEBOOK: bit.ly/FBtaramontWEBSITE: www.tara-mont.com EMAIL: trustandthrive@gmail.com