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The Mindgal Podcast

The Mindgal Podcast

By Monica Pitek-Fugedi

The podcast where we tackle all the tough issues that prevent you from living an inspired life. Hosted by Monica Pitek-Fugedi, a Nationally Certified Mental Health Counselor with years of experience helping people overcome obstacles.

Subscribe to stay up-to-date on new offers and bonuses, and check out the MindGal website at www.mindgal.com for additional information
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Currently playing episode

Sorry/Not Sorry: Four Ways to Stop Apologizing and Start Empowering: Episode 9

The Mindgal PodcastMay 01, 2019

00:00
20:34
New Podcast!

New Podcast!

In this episode, Monica introduces her new podcast, Therapist's Guide to Getting Unstuck. Since starting MindGal a few years ago, Monica has opened a private practice in southeast Michigan, specializing in anxiety and trauma treatment. Monica continues her blog on her practice website, Whole Mind Wellness.

To continue to follow Monica, be sure to subscribe to the Therapist's Guide to Getting Unstuck

Monica is a nationally certified, licensed practicing counselor specializing in anxiety and trauma treatment. Monica's practice, Whole Mind Wellness offers in-person and online counseling to adults and couples across the state of Michigan. Go to www.wholemindwellnesspllc.com for more information, to read Monica's blog, or to make an appointment.

Follow Monica on Social Media

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Dec 09, 202002:32
Opposite Action and Coping Ahead: Episode 32

Opposite Action and Coping Ahead: Episode 32

Sometimes our emotions get the better of us. When they do, we tend to react in the same way we always have. If you are anything like me, you might find that the same old reaction is not working for you anymore. 

In today's episode, I am going to explain two approaches from DBT called opposite action and coping ahead that will help you to re-think how you think.

Take a listen and drop me an email at monica@mindgal.com to let me know what you think!

Apr 16, 202014:24
COVID-19: Anxiety, Grief, and Why are We Social Distancing? Episode 31
Apr 06, 202023:29
Are You Outcome Dependent? MindGal Episode 30
Feb 06, 202010:48
Everything Means Nothing: Episode 29
Dec 12, 201922:02
3 Easy Steps to Stop Ruminating: MindGal Episode 27
Nov 14, 201917:21
The 5 Imposter Syndrome Types and How to Get Over Them: MindGal Episode 26
Oct 24, 201918:35
Are You Getting Something Positive from Anxiety? Episode 25

Are You Getting Something Positive from Anxiety? Episode 25

You hate feeling anxious. It makes you feel stuck, helpless, sick, etc. You say you want out, but do you really? On this week's episode we explore what might be keeping you connected to your anxiety.

Check out more resources on anxiety at www.mindgal.com. You can also download some free cheat sheets to help you manage your thoughts at www.mindgal.com/resources/

Feel free to email Monica with comments about this show or suggestions about future shows at monica@mindgal.com

Remember, you are worth the effort it takes to live an empowered life!


Oct 03, 201918:29
How to Use the C.A.L.M. Technique to Tackle Anxiety

How to Use the C.A.L.M. Technique to Tackle Anxiety

Anxiety is tough. It can be all-consuming, completely messing with our thoughts. But there is hope. Using the C.A.L.M technique will help you to take control of your thoughts so that they don't control you.

Find more about C.A.L.M. by subscribing to the MindGal website at www.mindgal.com, where you can get a free download to guide you in the process.

Be sure to subscribe and give The MindGal Podcast a 5-star rating.

Remember, you are the worth the effort it takes to live an inspired life!

Monica Pitek-Fugedi

www.mindgal.com

monica@mindgal.com

Sep 19, 201913:45
Communication Destroyers and How to Fix Them: Episode 22
Sep 05, 201919:58
Calming the Mind with Breathzone: An Interview with Trainer, Rebecca Kordecki

Calming the Mind with Breathzone: An Interview with Trainer, Rebecca Kordecki

 

On this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing trainer, Rebecca Kordecki, Transformational Life Coach and Breathwork Coach. Rebecca is also the creater and founder of Flip Your S.W.I.T.C.H and Breathzone. These programs are designed to use your breath to calm your body and mind and empower you to live your most fulfilled life.  

Rebecca's motto is to stand on your story instead of standing in your story. Her work has proven results from the most at-risk youth to anyone who wants to gain more control of their life.

Listen in and discover how you can get access to all of Rebecca's wonderful programs! See the information below to learn more about Rebecca Kordecki, or to follow her on instagram.

Www.thebreathzone.com

www.rebeccakordecki.com

Websites: rebeccakordecki.com

                    breathzone.com

Follow Rebecca on Instagram: @rebeccakordecki

Aug 22, 201924:25
Cognitive Distortions: Episode 20

Cognitive Distortions: Episode 20

We all have them, those messages in our head telling us all the negative things about ourselves. They're called cognitive distortions. On this episode, I will explain 15 cognitive distortions that inhibit a growth mindset and stunt our personal growth. 

To learn how to counter these distortions, subscribe to MindGal (www.mindgal.com), and you will have access to information that will be released next week. You will also have access to many resources that will help you to manage anxiety, panic attacks, and overcome life obstacles.

Be sure to subscribe to the MindGal Podcast, leave a rating and review. As always, you can contact me directly at monica@mindgal.com.

And remember, you are worth the effort it takes to live an inspired life!

The 15 Cognitive Distortions:

  1. Filtering
  2. Polarizing Thinking
  3. Overgeneralization
  4. Jumping to conclusions
  5. Catastrophizing
  6. Personalization
  7. Fallacy of Fairness
  8. Blaming
  9. Control Fallacy
  10. "Shoulding"
  11. Emotional Reasoning
  12. Fallacy of change
  13. Global labeling
  14. Always being right
  15. Reward Fallacy
Aug 15, 201918:05
The 3 Things You Need to Know About Fear

The 3 Things You Need to Know About Fear

Fear. We all have experienced it. Some of us let it show up and let it pass. Others fester on it until it develops into a full-blown anxiety attack. On today's short podcast episode, you will learn about 3 things you need to know about fear, and be given some tools to help you face your own fears.

To learn more about the one simple truth about fear, go to www.mindgal.com/truthaboutfear. 

For additional resources to help manage anxiety, go to www.mindgal.com/resources

Thanks for listening!

-Monica

monica@mindgal.com

www.mindgal.com

Aug 01, 201907:49
Are You A People Pleaser? Episode 18
Jul 18, 201918:07
3 Ways to Manage Worry

3 Ways to Manage Worry

Do you ever let your worry get the better of you? If you struggle with anxiety, you do. Worry can easily transition to anxiety if we don't get a handle on it.

In this episode of The MindGal Podcast, we will go over 3 things you can do right now to help manage your worry.

Be sure to subscribe to www.mindgal.com to get the latest information about anxiety and other mental health resources!

Jul 10, 201920:19
3 Ways to Silence the Haters

3 Ways to Silence the Haters

Haters are everywhere. How do we learn to silence their voices so that they don't affect our ability to live our best life? Listen to this week's episode of The MindGal Podcast where Monica talks about the 3 things you can do when confronted with a hater.
Jun 27, 201924:34
Gaslighting Episode 15

Gaslighting Episode 15

Do you ever feel crazy and don't know why? Have you ever had anyone tell you that they didn't say something that you know that they said? You might be dealing with a gaslighter. Tune in to this week's MindGal episode to learn the 11 warning signs of gaslighting.
Jun 20, 201919:47
How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome is the feeling of inadequacy. Some of us feel it situationally, some feel it in every circumstance. On this episode, learn more about what imposter syndrome is and ways to overcome it.
Jun 13, 201922:20
4 Ways to Challenge Fixating Thoughts

4 Ways to Challenge Fixating Thoughts

As anxiety does, it creates an unsettling atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. As we try desperately to find control in these situations, our mind will often fixate on something, usually something that is completely out of our control. on this episode, Monica walks you through 4 things you can put into place right now to stop the mental fixation!
Jun 06, 201918:23
How to Relieve Anxiety in 3 Easy Steps

How to Relieve Anxiety in 3 Easy Steps

Anxiety is a piece of work. It feeds on fears and insecurities. It is the main course at the dinner table. It is also the appetizer and dessert. Anxiety is like cookie monster, constantly whispering "feed me" (said in a gruff, cookie monster voice).Sometimes it can feel easier to feed the beast than to fight it off. When we live with something for a period of time, it becomes part of who we are. I'll use the example of my hair. From as young as I can remember, I have been complimented on my hair. So much so that it became a huge piece of my identity. It was what made me pretty.Then cancer came along and I lost my hair.The fear of losing my entire self-identity was overwhelming. Until I lost my hair and was forced to re-assess who I was, I leaned so heavily on its weighted definition of self-worth that I created for myself that I really did not think I had anything to give without it. The year of no hair lead to a year of newness and self-discovery. So much so that I did a TEDx presentation about it.I'm taking you on a bit of a scenic route to get to my point, which is that much like my hair, anxiety becomes the piece of ourselves that we cling to because it is certain in our life.We often walk around thinking that we only attach to things that are good.  This is simply not true. In fact, if you listened to my latest podcast about Negativity Bias, you will understand that we have a genetic predisposition to look for the negative (a link to this episode is at the end of this post).But still, why would we attach to something that is so visibly wreaking havoc? Because it's comfortable, that's why. To read more about this theory of anxiety being comfortable, and about the habit of anxiety, read The Order of a Mental DisorderWe identify with being anxious. Others may not use the term anxious to describe us, but they use words like:WorrierA-Type PersonalityControllingIrritableRestlessWhen you are told you are a certain way for a long enough period of time, you begin to lean into that definition.Once you have defined ourselves as anxious, it becomes difficult to be anything else. I get it, you don't want to be anxious. Who does? But for something to be different, the fear of change has to be less than the fear of staying the same.Remember, anxiety feeds on fear. People with anxiety generally don't like change. Therefore, a+b=c. In other words, the fear of taking steps necessary to manage anxiety can induce more fear than continuing to live with it.The fear of change has to be less then the fear of staying the same If you really want to manage your anxiety, you are going to have to take some steps in a very uncomfortable direction.First StepBelieve that it is possible to live in a world where you can manage your anxiety. Notice I did not say live in a world free of anxiety. Promises of life without anxiety are made by people who have never experienced it. As a fellow anxiety-sufferer, I can tell you for certain that it is not possible to erase anxious thoughts from your life. But it IS possible to incorporate tools that will help you to manage it. I know because I have lived it. I am living it. I will continue to live with anxiety. What I refuse to live with anymore is its death grip on me.YourContentHereSecond StepFlip the script on your messaging to yourself. I talk about this a lot in most of my posts and on my podcast. It's not because I have nothing else to say and am trying to fill up space. I mention it frequently because it is the single most important thing you can do.  Self-talk seems easy, but when we have a lifetime of telling ourselves negative messages, it takes a lot to untrain the brain.Whenever you catch yourself using negative or absolute words,
Jun 03, 201912:11
3 Easy Ways to End Negativity Bias: Episode 12
May 30, 201912:11
The 3 Things You Should Absolutely Not Say to Someone with Anxiety. Episode 11

The 3 Things You Should Absolutely Not Say to Someone with Anxiety. Episode 11

When we are feeling anxious, the last thing that we want to hear is someone telling us to calm down. There are so many things that people say in the name of being helpful that end up being the opposite of helpful. On this episode of The MindGal Podcast, we are going to talk about the three things you absolutely should never say to someone who is anxious, and the three things you SHOULD say in their place. You will not want to miss this episode!<br />
Subscribe on iTunes and Spotify!
May 21, 201914:22
The Pretzel: Life with Anxiety. Interview with Lisa Lark

The Pretzel: Life with Anxiety. Interview with Lisa Lark

How can a pretzel ruin your entire day? Tune in this week as Monica interviews life-long friend and anxiety sufferer to learn about how anxiety can present in children, adolescents and adults.
May 09, 201941:19
Sorry/Not Sorry: Four Ways to Stop Apologizing and Start Empowering: Episode 9

Sorry/Not Sorry: Four Ways to Stop Apologizing and Start Empowering: Episode 9

On this episode of The MindGal Podcast, we focus on the word sorry. Often a word that is overused in situations where it is not warranted. Listen to this episode to learn about four situations where "I'm sorry" is most commonly used, and replacing it with more empowering language.
May 01, 201920:34
How Unrealistic Expectations Feed Anxiety

How Unrealistic Expectations Feed Anxiety

Are your expectations too high? Do you feel like a failure if you fall short of everything on your to-do list? Listen to this episode to learn how to set attainable goals and realistic expectations.
Apr 25, 201920:46
Three Ways to Calm Anxiety: Episode 7
Apr 18, 201922:37
Anxiety: The Frenemy You Can't Live Without
Apr 11, 201919:43
Episode 5: Perfectionism and the College Admissions Scandal

Episode 5: Perfectionism and the College Admissions Scandal

On this episode of The MindGal Podcast, we finish our 3-part series on perfectionism by talking about the recent college admissions scandal. For show notes, go to
Apr 04, 201917:40
9 Signs You Might Be a Perfectionist

9 Signs You Might Be a Perfectionist

Perfectionism is thought of as the need to be without flaw, but is it more than that? Join Monica in this episode of The MindGal Podcast as we talk more about what perfectionism is, and the 9 signs that you might be a perfectionist.
Mar 28, 201921:49
A Perfect Storm: The Relationship Between Anxiety and Perfectionism

A Perfect Storm: The Relationship Between Anxiety and Perfectionism

Is perfectionism a socially acceptable way to present anxiety? Monica interviews Andrea Zellner, doctorate in Educational Psychology, to discuss the idea of perfectionism. Often a label of success, perfectionism is actually a spoke in the wheel of anxiety. Andrea shares with us her relationship with perfectionism, and traces it back to her elementary days when she was told she had test anxiety in second grade. Topics include the underlying issues surrounding the need to be perfect, how parenthood exposes our insecurities, and ways to battle unhealthy belief pattern.
Mar 18, 201936:08
Fear of Failure

Fear of Failure

On this week's episode, we talk about failure and what it means to us. Why are we so afraid of failure? What are the stories we are telling ourselves about what failure and fear mean, and is it possible to change?

Everyone has a story. We have the story that is reality, and the story that we tell ourselves. The story that we tell ourselves trumps the reality every.time. The idea of what failure is, is not an exception. If you are living with anxiety, you probably have already told yourself the story that failure is not an option. Failure at something means failure as a person. It is that story that keeps you from taking the risk, and keeps you in the bubble of safety.

The key is to change your story about failure. Instead of seeing it as an absolute that encompasses every part of your being, look at it as one step closer to success. I do not know many people who have succeeded without double amount of failures. But we don't talk about the failures, and that is why we feel so badly about ourselves when we find ourselves failing.

Some things you can do to help change your failure story:

* Embrace the failure. It is getting you one step closer to your success
* You are not a failure as a person. You tried something, and you didn't succeed. That is it. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
* Ask yourself what failure means to you. What kind of person does it make you? Your answer is probably negative. Change the narrative. Turn it around. Failure means you tried. You have gumption. Resilience. You got in the arena, which is more than a lot of people do.

You can listen to the podcast by 
clicking here

To read more about the fear of failure, read the article  Three Reasons We Fear Failure

Subscribe to the mindgal website to get access to resources and information that will help you overcoming anxiety, panic attacks, and any life obstacle that is standing in your way of living a life of purpose.

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Mar 07, 201916:53
Episode 1: What is this podcast all about?

Episode 1: What is this podcast all about?

Sometimes it is difficult to find the time to read articles. Or, maybe you want something to listen to on the way to work, walking the dog, or doing chores around the house. I feel ya. Sometimes I wish I could take an article and turn it into an audio so that I didn't actually have to sit still for the time it takes me to read it. We are in a world of multi-tasking (although I read somewhere that there is no such thing as being able to multi-task, but who knows. I feel like I do it all the time. Like right now. I am writing this and making dinner at the same time).<br />
<br />
Part of what I love about podcasts (and I listen to A LOT of podcasts) is that I can listen to them on my 30 minute drive to work. I have found that my attention span is no longer than my commute (and sometimes not even that long). With that in mind, I think the perfect length of a podcast is between 5-35 minutes. I am a bottom line girl, so when I am done with my point, I stop talking.<br />
<br />
If you think you might like what you hear, please subscribe to the MindGal Podcast on any platform that hosts podcasts. Also, come on over to my Facebook page, MindGal and join the group, Overcoming Barriers if you want to be part of a community that supports each other through life obstacles.<br />
<br />
Subscribing to this website will ensure that you never miss a blog post, podcast or resources that can help with overcoming anxiety and panic attacks. I promise not to spam you.<br />
<br />
Thanks for listening, and please feel free to leave comments about what you would like to hear in upcoming episodes!<br />
<br />
-Monica<br />
<br />
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Feb 28, 201904:06