T-Talk

2024 has arrived folks, and in natural end of year fashion, I’ve been in reflecting mode. In this almost last episode, I share updates about the podcast, myself and my inner and outer work for the upcoming year. I hope the episode gives you something to think about, and a message to hold on to until our paths cross again.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Get the most recent updates on T-Talk.

2. Hear ways in which Shaelene is learning from past life lessons.

3. Find ways to challenge yourself when it comes to cultivating balance in life. 

Thanks for listening-Shaelene

Full Show Notes Here:   www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/almostlastepisode

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How do you find yourself after surviving an intensely traumatic event? One thing people don’t often realize about having PTSD is that it impacts the way in which you see everything, including yourself. Second guessing becomes first  nature and distrust of everything becomes a way of life. But what if the way to overcome the impact of these events was to do the exact opposite; to lean into who you are and work on connecting inward?

Therapist Tiffany Cutrone tells us her personal story of surviving a kidnapping and sexual assault that lead her to distrusting herself so intensely that she forced herself to change who she was. In her healing story, she was able to find ways to identify when she was seeing life through a trauma lens and not in line with her authentic self. Through coming back to who she was, amplifying her voice in advocacy and a heavy dose of therapy, she realized that living as her authentic self was best for her AND the community of clients who need her.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Hear Tiffany’s story of surviving a highly traumatic event and how it impacted her identity.

• Understand the role of self doubt after experiencing trauma.

• Learn how advocacy work became a part of Tiffany’s healing.

• Find ways and reasons to reconnect with yourself after surviving a traumatic event

An intense listen, but also incredibly inspiring. 

Full Show Notes Here:  www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/tiffanycutrone

Connect with Guest*

They say “money makes the world go ‘round”-and isn’t that annoying? I don’t know about you, but when I'm stressed about money, everything feels amplified, more intense and more urgent. If money problems are impacting your mental health, you’ll want to listen to this episode.

Julie Herres owns an accounting firm in which she helps other therapists manage their money-so when it comes to the emotional weight of money problems-she really gets it on all sides. Julie is coming on the show to share some of her personal story alongside tangible changes you can make to build mastery in a money mindset-even if you don’t have enough of it.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Hear Julie’s story on being raised by a parent who had many ideas for starting businesses but none of them being successful.

• Listen to ways Julie was able to create meaning out of the struggles she had growing up.

• Gain solid tips on how to build mastery with creating healthy money habits that will help you take stress down and increase hope!

Let us know what changes you are going to make after listening to this episode. We’d love to hear it!

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/julieherres

Connect with Guest*

If I could describe Arthalia in a word it would be joy. 

Not artificial, superficial joy, but one that radiates into you just by being in her presence. I told her she needs to bottle her stuff up and sell it, because I would be first in line to get me some of that feeling. I would have never known in meeting her that less than just one year ago, she suffered a traumatic loss of her husband of 18 years, only to lose her son two months later. 

“Where are the pockets of peace?” She would find herself asking when the waves of life continued to knock her over. Despite these losses, she managed to create a life that is incredibly full. 

On this week's episode Arthalia Weekes, LCSW takes us through what it means to navigate loss while pouring into yourself. She shares how she went through milestone moments like birthdays, anniversaries and holidays while still creating space for emotions like love and happiness.

The holidays have a way of prescribing “everyone should be happy and grateful right now” to the world, and that tends to have people bracing for impact-especially after losing someone.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

•  Learn tips for navigating hard times this season from Arthalia.

• Hear her story of enduring traumatic loss in rapid succeeding and choosing to live life fully.

• Learn what not to say to someone who is going through a hard time after loss.

• Find ways to give yourself permission to experience positive emotions after a difficult loss.

Listen to this episode for a different perspective on grief, a dose of healing but most importantly, a sense of being whole.

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/arthaliaweekes

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Why do we feel so shitty when January roles around? 

If the thought of setting a resolution for the new year makes you want to yak, this episode is for you.

Today I have tea with Cindi Miller, MS, LMHC who has set out on a mission to eradicate perfectionism and take down the system. 

If you are someone who has felt less than after not keeping up with the joneses on social media, or for historically not staying on track with your “new year, new me” campaign-we want you to know it doesn’t have to be this way.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Listen to what is often behind feelings of exhaustion, anxiety and “laziness”.

• Hear about Cindi’s take on the role of perfectionism and her mission to eradicate it. 

• Learn about ideal and less than ideal times to implement changes and set goals in your life according to cyclical concepts.

• Gain tips on building a life worth living in a sustainable way.

Take a listen and let us know what changes you may be making to your new year routine. We would love to hear it!

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/cindimiller

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Thinking of the holidays already has me feeling tired and overwhelmed-so I thought I would bring the Self Care Queen in, Yunetta Spring-Smith, to school us on the topic!

Yunetta isn’t one of those therapists who just talks about the self care basics, she goes deep! 

In this episode, we talk through different perspectives on how to view self care, along with how to actually practice it in a way that gives your body and mind the balance it needs. 

Author of the workbook “Take the Struggle Out of Self-Care” (linked below!), Yunetta is here to help you take your understanding of self care to tangible steps you can take both during the holidays and for everyday life.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Understand self care on a more comprehensive level.

• Learn about the different pressures of the holidays that make the brain experience things from a more heightened level of awareness and emotion!

• Hear Yunetta describe the developmental stages of self care and how to use this metaphor to grow in your practice.

• Learn about the 5 F’s of trauma when it comes to how our brain and body respond.

• Gain tips on navigating the holiday season while prioritizing your wellbeing. 

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/yunettaspring

Connect with Guest*

If there’s one thing that is often not lacking during family gatherings, it’s unsolicited comments, opinions and advice about how you or others should look and be. There’s also usually a crap ton of food and drinks that get pushed on you and it can be hard to leave these gatherings with a sense of confidence and ease. 

Today on T-Talk, I talk with Dr. Breese Annable, eating disorders specialist and DBT psychologist on all things body image, food and family parties when it comes to the holidays.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn why you need to treat your relationship with  your body as if you were in couples therapy.

• Hear about Shaelene’s struggle with body image and why she is upset about it.

• Find ways to manage body image and eating struggles during the holidays. 

• Understand the role of compassion when it comes to reparation work with your body.

• Learn more about the alternate rebellion skill and how to use it regarding this topic. 

Listen to this episode if you often find yourself stressed about food and how you look (holiday time or not) and you are wanting to create a more peaceful and loving relationship with your body. This is also a great listen for anyone who has given an opinion to someone about their appearance out of concern or love, but hasn’t always heard or perhaps understood the impact.

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/breeseannable

Connect with Guest*

Ever wonder what makes a certain song stick with you? 

Or why you crave certain music at different times in your life? 

Today we talk about just that With Andy Freedman, LPC and Music Therapist from Philly!

In today’s episode we explore what music therapy is like and who can benefit from it. We talk about how much music acts as a mindfulness agent and social connector that helps all humans find healing in a meaningful way. 

My favorite part of the episode is where we go through a music analysis of 3 very different songs and pull out reflection points for me. As usual, I could’ve kept talking forever, but I’m excited for you to listen to what we captured here.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Gain insights into the multifaceted world of music therapy, understanding its applications and discovering who stands to benefit the most from it.

• Delve into the fascinating process of lyric analysis as we dissect three unique songs together, unraveling the profound stories they tell, and sharing how they affect each of us.

• Witness how lyrics can serve as a powerful tool to unearth hidden emotions and feelings, often dormant within us, guiding us through different stages of self-discovery and healing.

• Discover the significance behind me choosing 3 songs specifically from my high school era.

What song would you ask Andy to analyze and why? 

Share with me!

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/andyfreedman

Connect with Guest*

What do you picture when you hear “domestic violence”? If you are like many, you imagine something stereotypical between a husband and wife with kids, and unfortunately so much is missing from that picture. How do you recognize you are in a damaging relationship if you haven’t seen relationships otherwise? Oftentimes, it’s not until you are out of a relationship that you understand that it was harmful.

Today on T-Talk, I talk with Dr. Kelly Gentry about intimate partner violence and her work with young adults, specifically-college aged women. 

In today’s episode we unpack the intricacies of violence in romantic relationships, and the ways in which the victims in these relationships often get overlooked. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn the difference between domestic violence and intimate partner violence.

• Hear about the power of sharing your story and having it heard when it comes to trauma recovery.

• Find ways to utilize creativity in your healing as well as mindsets to avoid when approaching something new.

• Listen to Dr. Gentry’s research findings in examining abusive relationships with college aged women.

• Identify ways to help change the script. 

Make sure to share this episode to help normalize this conversation because so many partners are living in silence or even unaware that partner violence actually pertains to their relationship.

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/kellygentry

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What happens when trauma goes unresolved? What if your job requires that you face trauma every single day, multiple times a day? This is what we uncover in today’s episode of T-Talk. Ashley, a paramedic and therapist in training, discusses the hidden struggles of first responders and the need for better mental health support.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn why resilience matters in mental health recovery and how important it is to make it an actionable term.

• Understand vulnerabilities faced by first responders when it comes to mental health.

• Hear how compartmentalism can be helpful and harmful.

• Hear how Ashley is building resilience and prioritizing self care in a job that activates her nervous system daily.

Tune in for a fresh perspective on the challenges faced by first responders and the path to better mental well-being.

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/ashleycopeland

Connect with Guest

When I asked my friend Lenora to be a guest on T Talk and she said she wanted to do an episode on the “other” New Kids on The Block, I wasn’t sure if I needed to bust out my boombox and walkman or this would actually connect back to healing! Of course, with the use of this metaphor, she delivered. 

In today’s episode, we talk about what she calls the “Unspoken Entourage” of parts that show up after something bad happens-Trauma, Anxiety, Depression and Grief. Without awareness of who is coming alongside of you, it’s easy for your whole world to be rocked.

In today’s tea, we talk about paying attention to the whole system, and treating them together in order to create space for joy.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Hear Lenora’s take on healing the other “New Kids on The Block” -Trauma, Anxiety, Depression and Grief

• Understand the role of “Unspoken Entourage” when showing up in a new relationship or role.

• Listen to how Lenora helps clients understand their emotion system with her previous training as an engineer. 

• Find ways to create vicarious joy in your life.

Can you name who's rolling up with you everywhere after this episode? 

And who is your JOY?

Share with us!

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/lenorajohnson

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I have to say, one of the coolest things about being a podcast host is meeting so many awesome people and learning about new ways of healing. Today, I got to do just that.

Meet Jess Brock-Pitts, a licensed therapist and certified personal trainer. What’s very cool about Jess is that she is helping people recover from trauma not just in therapy, but through weightlifting! That’s right. She is a trauma informed weight lifter and uses principles from weight lifting to help her clients gain access to parts of themselves that may have felt inaccessible for a majority of their lives. 

In this episode, you’ll hear how Jess found weightlifting and how it became an integral part of her own healing. You’ll also hear from me as I talk through some of my own struggles with body image and weight loss, and how Jess works through some of these same issues with her own clients. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn about Jess’s work as a therapist and trauma informed weight lifting trainer.

• Hear the main concepts around what it means to be trauma informed in any space.

• Listen to ways in which trauma recovery may be halted when it comes to healing.

• Hear Shaelene’s personal share and struggle with body image. 

For anyone noticing an impact on their mental health due to body image, as well as those who know they need body work but don’t love yoga or other moving modalities, give this episode a listen and tell me what you think!

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/jessbrockpitts

Connect with Jess Brock-Pitts

In honor of spooky season, I wanted to shed some light on methods of healing that sometimes get judged as “dark”, “mysterious” and sometimes (according to the therapist police of Facebook) “UNETHICAL”! *Cue dark and ominous music along with gasps in the near distance*. 

That’s right folks, today on T-Talk we explore the healing ways of the Tarot. 

What alternative ways of healing have you found on your journey? 

Have you ever considered how Tarot cards may play a role in your therapy sessions? 

Let me introduce you to my new friend, Dreya Blume-who is here to tell you all about it. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn how Tarot can be used as a tool for imagery, intuition and metaphor.

• Understand how the interpretation of the cards can play a role in healing.

• Hear about the criticisms and comparisons from other therapists that are often unfounded.

• Discover how Tarot can help pave a path for spirituality. 

• Listen to a live reading from Dreya for Shaelene. 

What’s your position on the Tarot and have you ever had a reading or tried a deck on your own? Share with me! This was definitely a favorite episode to date!

Full Show Notes Here:www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/dreyablume

Connect with Guest

Today I sit down and have tea with Barbara Beck, an expert who knows first hand what it’s like to be in a relationship with a narcissist. Barb shares her personal story of realizing she was in a relationship with a narcissist despite being a therapist, and how she made her exit. In this episode we cover the spectrum of narcissism across all relationships-partners, friends, parents and co-workers.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

•  Hear Barb’s story of leaving a narcissistic relationship as a therapist.

• Identify signs of a narcissistic personality.

• Listen to how the traits show up in men vs. in women

• Understand the impact of narcissism in children raised by narcissistic parents

• Learn strategies for dealing with narcissistic relationships as well as considerations to make before leaving a relationship. 

  
  

  Barb’s wisdom shines through in this episode and I promise you will not want to stop listening to her! Have you experienced life with a narcissist?

  What in this episode was helpful for you?

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/barbarabeck

Connect with Guest

How do you manage jealousy in a relationship? How about when you have multiple relationships? Today’s tea is with Kieran Mcmonagle, a radical trans therapist, coach and consultant who holds expertise in many areas, including polyamory and non-monogamy. Per usual, I ask a TON of questions and get schooled in the area of what it means to be in non-monogamous relationship, the role society plays (again, per usual) in creating issues for individuals who feel they don’t fit in the standard box when it comes to relationships, and so much more. What I love about Kieran is how open he is to sharing parts of his own life in efforts of helping others learn, do better and find healing. 

Whether you are considering non-monogamy or not, this episode still has tips for you. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Hear about Kieran’s work as a trans, queer, kinky, gay, polyamorous therapist.  

• Learn why adding the term “ethical” to non-monogamy can be problematic.

• Listen to practices that can help regulate intense feelings of jealousy and sadness regardless of your relationship practices

• Understand the importance of values when it comes to relationships. 

• Learn about the role of love scarcity in jealousy. 

Let Kieran and I know what you think of our talk today. We would love to hear from you!

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/kieranmcmonagle

Connect with Kieran: 

October is ADHD awareness month! And what better way to kick off this month’s tea than with THE Neurodivergent Therapist, Jamie Roberts! As someone who struggles with ADHD, I was excited to jump right into ALL of the questions I had-both for myself and for my listeners. Jamie shares her experience in living a majority of her life not knowing that she had both ADHD and Autism. Jamie shares about her own healing journey as well as the role both the pandemic and social media have had in the increased awareness of both Autism and ADHD.

So much in the world of both diagnosis and treatment have changed, and this is for sure an episode you will learn from. This show is a must for anyone in the life of a neurodivergent individual, particularly educators, therapists and parents! 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn the difference between neurodiversity and neurodivergence

• Hear Jamie’s story of becoming diagnosed with ADHD and Autism as an adult

• Understand what it means to be “masking”

• Listen to the difference between masks and hats

• Learn tips and ways to support someone who is seeking a diagnosis

• Find ways to seek support for yourself 

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/jamieroberts

Connect With Jamie

When you’re working in alignment with yourself, everything becomes joyful.” This is what Andrew describes as his full life shift after attending a psilocybin retreat. Yep, that’s right, we are talking mushrooms and psychedelics on T-Talk! 

Have you heard of betrayal trauma? How about taking a polygraph test with your therapist? I bet I have your attention now! This week, I talk with Dr. Jake Porter about helping people heal deep attachment wounds that have come by way of betrayal in a relationship. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn about therapy intensives and why they are useful.

• Understand the impact of betrayal in relationships.

• Hear what happens to the brain in the midst of uncovering betrayal.

• Listen to Dr. Jake Porter’s method of helping couple’s find hope despite deep attachment wounds. 

Betrayal is devastating for the victim, whose life narrative utterly collapses in an instant. It is truly awe-inspiring how Dr. Jake & his team, through their intensives, offer a healing container for couples to repair, process and create a new, life-giving story together over time, though it is not without much pain and grief. 

What surprised you most about this episode? Share with me.

Full Show Notes Here:  www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/jakeporter

Connect with Guest

Are you tired of feeling like you have to tiptoe around trigger warnings when expressing your emotions? Do you feel alone and isolated in your struggle to connect with friends who have not experienced trauma like you have?

In this episode, Katherine Lazar, a courageous woman who has navigated the heartbreaking experience of losing a child before birth, shares her inspirational journey of loss, recovery, and finding a supportive community to help her through it all. Tune in to be embraced and gain valuable insights into the complexities of grief and the power of community support during difficult times.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Hear Katherine’s story of suffering a traumatic loss after experiencing the death and stillbirth of her first child, Brody.

2. Gain a different perspective on the importance of leaning into painful topics around grief and loss. 

3. Listen and learn Katherine's ways for dealing with fear and anxiety post traumatic loss. 

4. Get resources for navigating life as a Loss Mom, or for supporting a parent who has experienced a misscarriage, stillbirth and death of a child. 

Full Show Notes Here: www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/katherinelazar

Connect with Guest

How do you measure the return on investment when it comes to therapy? How do we end up in therapy? And why do people have to get “all political” when it comes to mental health? Listen to today’s episode and find out!

I came across Marvin Toliver’s account on instagram and immediately was drawn in by the boldness of the posts! One of them outright said to budget for therapy like you do for weed, and you know there was a lot going on in the comments! I invited Marvin to come on the show and am so glad he did.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Hear about Marvin’s work as a therapist helping clients find mental and emotional freedom.

2. Learn about the relationship between mental health and the systems of our world.

3. Listen for what we think is one of the top qualities a person needs to get the best results on their therapy.

4. Understand how prioritizing your mental health can give you results you weren’t expecting.

5. Listen to theme’s Marvin is finding in his male clients when it comes to showing emotion.

Full Show Notes Here: https://www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/marvintoliver

Connect with Guest*

You all know I talk about burnout a LOT on T-Talk and in real life. As a therapist who is supporting people with PTSD and trauma week after week, and supervises many clinicians who do the same, I know it can take an invisible toll on one’s physical and mental wellness. Onel that you don’t realize until one day you wake up and you’ve hit the wall.

Dr. Charlie Swenson, DBT Expert & Legend, knows this all too well and in this episode, he shares his wise advice for those of us in private practice or even just in taxing careers. He reminds us why saying no more than yes is a form of self-care and preservation of our gifts and energy. 

Also in this episode:

Nobody teaches us that happiness is an inside job. 

Nobody teaches us that our value is not in solving everyone’s problems or micromanaging everyone’s lives to prevent messes. 

If you chronically over-extend, this episode is for you. 

If you hesitate to make moves, wondering if “they are going to be ok without you,” - this episode is for you. 

Montoyia spills the tea on how she outsourced happiness in her marriage and how she learned not to be “Jesus Junior” to everyone in her life. 

Also in this episode:

• Understand the illusion of perfectionism and how to stop chasing after it.

• Learn to trust something bigger than you to take care of others.

• Identify ways to protect your mental + emotional energy.

Montoyia McGowan, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, is the Owner and Chief Mental Wellness Therapist of Stopping the Chase Counseling and Consulting in Memphis, TN. She helps empower creatives, artists, entrepreneurs and first-generation trail blazers to stop the mentally exhausting cycle of chasing people, places, things and relationships we often feel would contribute to our happiness.

Remember - your happiness is your responsibility. What are you going to do about it today? Share with me!

Show Notes Here

https://www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/montoyia2

Connect with Montoyia:

**A gentle warning, this episode discusses suicide. If you are feeling vulnerable in this area, please consult with a doctor or mental health professional in your area. Or call one of the Suicide Prevention numbers listed in the resources.**  

Loss, grief, death. 

None of them are things we can avoid in this life, although we all try to. It’s natural to try to avoid pain and keep the heartaches of life as far away as possible. 

But, what if we actually brought it in? Closer? On purpose? 

In this episode, my fellow DBT expert and co-trainer, Kathryn Patrick spills the tea on her obsession with death and gives us insight as to why integrating grief & death into our lives actually helps us live more ALIVE.

Also in this episode:

• Experiencing the death of someone close

• Identifying and understanding our impulses to avoid pain

• Kathryn's mindfulness practice

• What to do when the thoughts of death become invasive

• Avoiding burnout by holding space for yourself while holding space for others

• Kathryn shares a piece she wrote about life and death 

Kathryn is a DBT therapist/trainer/consultant in private practice in Denver, Colorado, where she teaches as an adjunct instructor at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. She is also a mother of two young boys. 

Did you try Kathryn’s mindfulness practice? If so, let me know what you think?

Show Notes Here

https://www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/kathryn2

Resources

US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255

Or you can text "home" to 741741

Connect with Kathryn

Kathrynpatricklcsw@balancedtherapycolorado.com

Connect with Shaelene

How do you feel about huge life pivots in your late 30s? They are quite a choice point. You’re not 22 and still landing all the things. 

Late 30s, you’re likely decently established, have full-on identity, career, home life and maybe even a family. 

But what to do when underneath it all runs a whisper that you are actually not this life anymore, not the same person you were a decade ago?

The choice point: to stay in what you’ve made thus far or take the leap into who you’ve become?

Maureen took the leap and is here to share her story.

Also in this episode:

• Understand how self invalidation can limit your life and happiness. 

• Learn first steps to honoring your authentic self. 

• Finding support when you feel alone on your journey.

Maureen Werrbach established The Group Practice Exchange after starting her private practice, Urban Wellness, and growing it into successful group practices in various locations. Today Maureen vulnerably shares her more personal side of life with us. 

Who else took a pivot late 30s and how did it go? Share with me!

Show Notes Here

https://www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/maureen2

Connect with Maureen

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thegrouppracticeexchange/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegrouppracticeexchange

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gpexchange/

Connect with Shaelene

“God is for weak people. I need strength.”

Have you ever thought this to yourself in a moment of challenge or struggle?

In this episode, my good friend Justin Taylor walks us through his story of recovery and shares how he was not interested in God or spirituality at all when he was first admitted to the psych ward after his darkest moments. 

Also in this episode:

• Everything is spiritual

• Tips for nurturing spirituality

• Non-AA tips

Justin Taylor is in long-term recovery from substance use disorder, married, and father to a one-year-old and two dogs. Justin enjoys fitness, life, spirituality, and connecting to everything around him. Justin strives to help others access their untapped inner power in his professional and personal life.

What has been your experience with spirituality in moments of challenge? Share with me!

 Show Notes Here

https://www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/justint2

Connect with Justin

If you don’t know already, KellySue has been my right hand-gal and Magical Assistant for the last year and a half doing loads of bts work both for Rebelmente and for DBT of South Jersey, but prior to all of that, she’s had a pretty unique life! KellySue was a catholic missionary nun from ages 22-30 where she led a very active life of ongoing service that took many and varied forms.

While you may not link burnout to nun-life, we all know that boundaries can be challenging in any walk of life, and KellySue shares her story with us, along with her journey out of the convent and what her spirituality looks like today. 

Also in this episode:

• What KellySue does and her background

• Watching for symptoms and small signals 

• Burnout and moving forward 

• Another mind-blowing moment 

• Kelly Sue's relationship with faith

• A look at the work KellySue does

• Affirming moments 

• Cultivating your relationship to inner wisdom

KellySue is a Modern Day Mystic & Soul Coach. Her teachings and work are based in the rhythms of the earth and include somatic awareness and education paired with taking cues from Nature in each season as the foundation and paradigm through which lasting health can be found. She is obsessed with salsa & bachata dancing and her wildcat Shimmer. 

What has been the best boundary you’ve made recently to honor your energy? Share with me!

Show Notes Here

https://www.rebelmente.com/t-talk-podcast/kellysue3

*Ads mentioned in this episode are expired.*

Connect with KellySue

There are certain moments in life that are choice points. 

We can either choose darkness or light. Choose to be a victim or to be grateful. 

Choose to collapse or to take another step forward. 

In this episode, I share tea with Justin Reilley, who at age 30 truly hit his rock bottom - having given everything to make his yoga teaching career work, he ended up separated from his wife, eating on the floor of his apartment with no furniture, wondering what he had done. This was Justin’s choice point. And he chose gratitude and that is what saved him. 

Also in this episode:

• Imposter syndrome in therapists 

• Replacing toxic positivity with gratitude 

• Yoga's role in a grateful mindset

• Finding the power to choose

• Surrounding yourself with those who want to be better 

• Making everyone feel seen

Tune into Justin’s story if you feel like your life has crumbled and like you keep making mistakes. Justin’s energy will uplift you and help shift your perspective on where you are in your life. Don’t give up! The breakdown happens before the uplevel!

Do you see yourself in Justin? What part of his story resonated with you the most? Share with me!

Show Notes Here

Grief might have its timetable, but what do you do when it feels like grief is almost here--you can see the end coming and you’re already feeling the weight of goodbye? If you anticipate an upcoming sadness or try to come to terms with an unexpected farewell that came before its time, this one is for you.

In this episode, I share my experience with flirting with grief through music and how understanding the stages of grief can help us integrate loss into our lives and create an ongoing connection with those we have lost.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Hear about Shaelene’s struggles in navigating grief.

• Get her take on watching her favorite band grieve tragic loss.

• Walk away with tangible steps to help move through grief, even if you hate it. 

  
  

Do you ever feel like life's emotions are in a never-ending cycle? From the highs of joy and excitement to the lows of anger and fear, it can seem like an uphill battle. But what if this feeling could be seen as something beautiful instead of overwhelming? What if having negative emotions spring back up didn't feel like you were screwing up your healing journey?

Carleena Lara-Bregattaå, shares her expertise of inner Alchemy and how to use it for healing. She discusses how our healing journey is not a straight line but rather a spiral, and teaches us about compassion when we are faced with patterns that seem to come back around again. It's time to not only face our emotions, but also embrace them.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Hear Carleena’s teachings on cyclical living and how it can help with increased compassion towards yourself and deeper emotional understanding.
• Understand the importance of integration after deep learning, healing and emotional work.
• Learn about 5 element theory and how it influenced Carleena’s work.
• Listen to tools to help you move through the different seasons of emotions.
• Find ways to use emotions as teachers. 

Feeling deflated and demotivated lately? If you've been blasting your "hype music" playlist on repeat but still can't seem to find your groove, it's time for a change. Stop running away from taking action and let's get moving!

In this episode, Maria Grace Wolk spills all the juicy details on the power of vulnerability, motivation, and the incredible benefits of running. She shares her experience on how running has become a meditative practice for her and helps her manage high anxiety levels as a Ted talk speaker and a mother.

Put in your air pods and get ready to take action! 🎧🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Hear how a Ted talk speaker manages high levels of anxiety.

• Learn the importance of knowing your “why” when it comes to behavior change and working towards a goal. 

• Hear how motivation is actually created and built.

• Understand the impact staying connected can have on your mental health.

• Listen to Grace’s tips on sticking healthy habits.

When was the last time someone said something that changed your life? We all remember those earth-shattering moments when a single sentence reverberates through our minds.

In this episode, my friend, Brad Jennings, shares his struggles with addictions and the impact of sobriety on his life. The real question here is: are you ready to listen? 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Hear Brad’s story of dealing with inner demons through drugs and alcohol use.

2. Learn about how Brad worked with the system in order to change his life. 

3. Listen to what he believes are necessary ingredients to change your life when you have previously tried and failed. 

4. Understand the importance of having the right people in your life in order to make changes.

5. Listen to Shaelene’s take on the experience as someone who was present that night and also has a history of addiction in her family. 

Brad brings home the truth that helping others helps us heal. What did you take away from this vulnerable and personal episode?

Don't let your own issues with your mom hold you back in your parenting journey or your own relationship with yourself. Tune in to this episode as Natalie LeQuang spills the tea on how Kelly McDaniel's Mother Hunger transformed how she views her relationship with her own mom. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

• Learn about the concept of Mother Hunger and how it can show up in different stages of life.
• Listen to Natalie’s and Shaelene’s experiences of healing while also navigating being new moms.
• Understand concepts of attachment wounding.
• Identify pivotal moments throughout the lifespan that are impacted by the relationship you have with your mom.
• Find concrete tools to start healing yourself through how you see the relationship with your mother.
• Have you ever heard of mother hunger before this episode? How much did it resonate with you? Share with me!

Feeling like therapy isn't doing the trick? Let's face it: Discussing your issues over-and-over can get pretty exhausting. This episode is just what you need to inspire a change—I'm spilling everything from why therapy hasn't been working for YOU, plus how to stick it out until something does work! Grab a comfy seat because I've got all the answers about when enough really IS enough - no more settling!

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Learn what to look out for as a client if you feel stuck in therapy.

2. Identify solutions as a client and therapist if your sessions don’t feel productive.

3. Hear some of Shaelene’s unpopular opinions on what’s not working in therapy.

Final note! T-Talk will be taking a much needed break during the rest of May and will return in June will fresh new episodes!

See you then!

Are you always on the lookout for danger? Maybe you can't shake those haunting images or relentless intrusive thoughts that seem to be on loop in your mind. It's time to face them head-on and finally break free from their grip.

In this episode, Gina Abbondante shares her own struggle with harm OCD and how we are capable of taking control and pushing past those barriers our own minds have created for us. It's time to embrace the challenge of overcoming your fears and take control of your life with courage and determination. 

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Learn about harm OCD as well as other themes OCD can carry.

2. Listen to a therapist’s story of recovering from intrusive thoughts of harm and suicide.

3. Understand how entertaining the possibility of thoughts happening reinforces fear.

4. Gain resources and tools to recover from intrusive thoughts.

Trigger Warning: Hi everyone, this episode discusses substance use and is a story of recovery. So if you are not in the space to listen to this episode, feel free to just come back another time or listen to some past episodes. Take care of yourself. 

Are you suffocating under the weight of your emotional clutter? Your emotional shelf may be overflowing with feelings that you never wanted to collect in the first place. It's time to take a deep breath and declutter your emotional space.

In this episode, breathe in Francisca's expertise of Breathwork and find a new way to heal beyond conventional therapies. Don't let life's chaos bury you, learn to face your emotions head-on.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Hear Francisca’s near death experience and what pushed her away from numbing and into emotion experience.

2. Learn about what conscious connected breathwork and how to find an instructor.

3. Understand why leaning into emotions can result in feelings increased love, compassion and bursts of insight. 

When depression and suicidal thoughts have a powerful grip on your life, it can be hard to see beyond the darkness that envelops you. It's as if a thick fog has descended around us, trapping us in all its lies and making escape seem nearly impossible.

Jennifer Agee shares her own experience with the lies and distortion of depression and how she started living a more intentional life - by not choosing suicide. If you are ready to take in all this life has to offer without depression wreaking havoc in your mind, this episode is for you!

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Hear what it means to Jennifer to truly live life without regrets.

2. Understand the importance of healing your younger parts.

3. Listen to Jennifer’s story in battling Major Depressive Disorder.

4. Learn why the phrase “Depression is a Liar” is relevant in recovering from depression.

Ever feel like your family tree is more of a twisted vine of trauma, passing down its gnarly legacy generation by generation? Sometimes we're too scared to even peek between the leaves, but we have to get to the root of the trauma if we want to untangle ourselves and thrive!

Vanessa Solis, a licensed clinical social worker and owner of a group practice named Empowered Mind Therapy Center, focuses on empowering women of color and their own healing from trauma. If you’re ready to ditch the family baggage once and for all, this episode is for you!

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Learn about ways to heal internalized trauma.

2. Understand the impact of generational trauma and racism on how you see yourself in the world.

3. Hear Vanessa’s story on healing wounds of her own as a therapist.

4. Understand what Brainspotting is, as a therapy modality.

5. Gain concrete steps on combating feelings of not fitting in, living small and feeling as though you are not enough.

Let's chat about our true superstars – teachers, the ones shaping the future, molding minds, and basically ruling the world, but are they getting the high-fives and gold stars they deserve? Nope! Teachers worldwide are stuck in the school of hard knocks, dealing with exploitation and playing dodgeball with injustice.

Lucia Reyes, a rebellious educator, shares her story of breaking out of exploitative situations and finding the balance between educating and advocating for what was right. If you are ready to witness teachers slam-dunking against inequality and being treated like the unshakable educators they are, this episode is for you!

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Hear Lucia’s story on leaving the school system after 20 years to prioritize her own mental health.

2. Listen out for signs that you may be able to relate to when considering leaving a workplace due to toxicity, values misalignment and burnout. 

3. Understand the complexities teachers and students face in many school systems.

4. Hear ways to improve your workplace relationships if you are staying in your career and are unhappy.

5. Learn about the intersection of racism, oppression, education systems and mental health.

6. Learn about ESTE.Inc a nonprofit geared towards helping schools, students and communities in rebellious ways. 

We all know that rest is essential for our physical and mental health, but it can often feel like a rebellious act to take the time for ourselves. Not only do we often feel guilty or lazy for resting, it’s also not always considered Instaworthy. KellySue is here to say that’s OK! Rest can be unsexy!

Kelly Sue, an expert in the field of self-care, has developed courses to help people learn how to prioritize rest in their lives and is helping people reconnect with their bodies in order to heal and find their way back to their natural rhythms. 

If you're ready to learn how to downshift your pacing a bit and integrate true rest and recovery into your lifestyle all year long, this episode is for you!

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Learn how to use the seasons and concept of “wintering” to aid in your mental health feeling more balanced.
2. Understand how living in a pattern without change can keep you stuck and depleted of energy.
3. Hear the importance of having “white space” on your calendar.
4. Gain practices to help decrease extremes and judgments in your daily life.

Do you feel like your thoughts and emotions are constantly stealing away from your ability to rest? If so, this guided meditation practice is for you. Take a few moments to find a space where you won’t be disturbed and join me in taking the time to give yourself permission to rest and relax. Through simple breathing exercises and positive affirmations, we will invite calmness into our minds and bodies so that we can fully recharge. So take a deep breath in, exhale out, and let's begin eliminating the chaos in our minds!

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Decrease guilt for taking rest.
2. Develop a meditation practice centered around rest.
3. Give yourself a short break-you deserve it!

Connect with Shaelene:

Are you feeling stuck in a seasonal funk? Spring into action and turn over a new leaf! Get ready to fully embrace life year-round and stop hibernating your enthusiasm.

This episode has all of the ingredients for getting out of that winter slump, and I challenge you to explore how you can build, find, create, nurture, and cultivate joy in your life. Don’t wait for Spring cleaning to dust off the bad vibes, let’s go!

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Gain 5 solid tips to help get you going when your mood is “meh”.
2. Hear how a therapist (Shaelene) uses her past self to guide her in finding present moment joy.
3. Learn how to mentally suffer less by using concrete ways to decrease your expectations.

Do you ever have those days when, despite everything being 'fine', nothing feels fine? Where your stomach is in knots and your brain seems to be running every possible bad outcome through its calculations? Even when you don’t realize anything is wrong, you can develop moments of panic or anxiety that make you feel out of control of your life.

In this episode, John Sanders speaks on confronting his battle with anxiety, discussing how he managed to break through the fear and embrace therapy as a route toward recovery.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Hear how John used his anxiety to create a life and business that he now loves.
2. Listen to the impact a toxic work environment can have on your mental health.
3. Learn about John’s personal experience with EMDR as a skeptic turned believer.

**A gentle caution, today’s episode involves some discussion of domestic violence. If you are not in a space to hear this kind of story, please take care of yourself and skip this one for now.  If you need support, please reach out for help. Dial 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) - National Domestic Violence Hotline**

Do you feel like there is a glass wall between where you are and where you want to be? You can see exactly what you want, but it seems completely out of reach and unattainable. Or maybe you feel like both girls in Saving Jane’s “Girl Next Door” and envy who you could be. We all want to live a life filled with purpose and personal growth, but sometimes, it can feel like you're stuck in a rut, struggling with the same mental roadblocks over and over again. Instead of simply existing through your days, why not build up your resilience toolset and create pathways for transformation? Let's take the POWER back into our own hands and make tangible progress together!

In this episode, Kelly Lynch shares how you can get mentally unstuck with empowering tips and strategies!

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Hear how Kelly moved through difficult points in her life, including life-threatening surgery, bullying, domestic violence and divorce.
2. Learn Kelly’s unique approach to move from stuck mindset points in order to reach your goals through GRIIT.
3. Understand how Kelly’s technique POWER helps individuals assess where they are and plan their next move, mindfully.
4. Listen to ways to apply her techniques to your life every day.

Have you heard of shadow work? I had not until I met Danielle Massie on Instagram. A client of mine gifted me her book, and in this episode, we go DEEP into this healing method.

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Learn what shadow work is and what to expect in a healing session.
2. Hear Danielle’s personal story on how she changed her life after needing deep healing.
3. Understand the impact of writing off the saying, “just listen to your body.”

Life can throw us some unexpected curveballs and live with a major medical condition is no exception. The way we cope with it matters. It's easy to get stuck in the depths of despair and feels like our situation will never improve, but that doesn't have to be the case! Decreasing suffering through finding meaning amidst medical darkness can be an incredibly powerful tool for taking back control of our lives.

Patrick Casale shares his recovery from throat surgery and how it has impacted his friendships and relationships in this episode. If you're struggling to make sense of living with a major health issue or you are supporting someone going through a really tough journey, this episode is for you!

Top reasons to listen to the entire episode:

1. Hear Patrick’s personal story of going through a major surgery and how he prepared and recovered both physically and mentally.
2. Understand the impact of grief outside of the traditional sense of loss.
3. Learn ways to support someone going through something unimaginable.
4. Understand the importance of terrifying experiences and why we need to stop minimizing them.