A Quest for Well-Being

— Have you ever had the same distressing thoughts over and over again that you couldn't stop thinking about? If you are like most people, the answer is probably a resounding "Yes!" The experience of having repetitive thoughts about a distressing issue is known as rumination. In ruminations, despite wanting to stop the distressing thought, the thoughts continue to persist. Is there a way to manage this process, or are we doomed to engage in these perpetual thinking loops? To better understand what we are up against, we need to distinguish between two important processes: having thoughts and engaging with our thoughts. In this episode, we will also discuss the importance of validating our emotions by stepping into the choice point towards our values.

Valeria interviews Barry Eichenbaum — He completed his PsyD in clinical psychology from Ferkauf Graduate School of Yeshiva University.

Barry has extensive experience in providing exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), in which he was trained under nationally renowned psychologist, Dr. Stephen Phillipson.

He is also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. His areas of clinical focus are in OCD, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, compulsive sexual behaviors, and relationship difficulties. Barry currently works at Blue Anchor Psychology, a private group psychotherapy practice based in New York City.

Barry's goal in therapy is to fortify his patients with the necessary skills to help them navigate the particular challenges they are facing, thereby helping them learn to become their own therapists. He strives to cultivate a supportive and collaborative environment that can allow for each individual to live through their values and move towards their goals.

To learn more about Barry Eichenbaum and his work, please visit: blueanchorpsychology.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— Have you ever had the same distressing thoughts over and over again that you couldn't stop thinking about? If you are like most people, the answer is probably a resounding "Yes!" The experience of having repetitive thoughts about a distressing issue is known as rumination. In ruminations, despite wanting to stop the distressing thought, the thoughts continue to persist. Is there a way to manage this process, or are we doomed to engage in these perpetual thinking loops? To better understand what we are up against, we need to distinguish between two important processes: having thoughts and engaging with our thoughts. In this episode, we will also discuss the importance of validating our emotions by stepping into the choice point towards our values.

Valeria interviews Barry Eichenbaum — He completed his PsyD in clinical psychology from Ferkauf Graduate School of Yeshiva University.

Barry has extensive experience in providing exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), in which he was trained under nationally renowned psychologist, Dr. Stephen Phillipson.

He is also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. His areas of clinical focus are in OCD, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, compulsive sexual behaviors, and relationship difficulties. Barry currently works at Blue Anchor Psychology, a private group psychotherapy practice based in New York City.

Barry's goal in therapy is to fortify his patients with the necessary skills to help them navigate the particular challenges they are facing, thereby helping them learn to become their own therapists. He strives to cultivate a supportive and collaborative environment that can allow for each individual to live through their values and move towards their goals.

To learn more about Barry Eichenbaum and his work, please visit: blueanchorpsychology.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— Grief continues to give me opportunities to learn and grow. It teaches me to live with a heart full of gratitude and to learn to love others and myself more. It allows me to live my purpose, which is to help you on your journey.

Do you realize that you change every day of your life? Each thought, experience, choice, and response creates change in you. In other words, you will either evolve or devolve in your daily existence. You have the opportunity to change for your good. How? By making conscious choices to enhance your body, mind, and soul.

Realize you are always in a state of "becoming what you think." So what are you thinking? Even in the midst of difficult times and grief, there is always something beautiful to be found. – Says Robin

Valeria interviews Robin Chodak — the author of "Ten Grief Lessons from Golf."

Robin left her job after 20 years as a computer software systems analyst following the suicide of her husband Steve in 2005. In the midst of grief, she started a spiritual journey of self-discovery, which ultimately led to her transformation.

After the suicide she started to write. At first it was personal letters to Steve. It helped her stay connected and at the same time it was therapeutic. She also began to write stories about grief, which are published in various grief and suicide journals. In 2017 she published, "Be Gentle with Me, I'm Grieving" which won a book excellence award and also published "Moving to Excellence, A Pathway to Transformation After Grief."

Grief continued to enter Robin's life. On September 28, 2019 she lost her beloved husband Dr. Gerald Chodak unexpectedly in their home. It was another sudden death, which caused grief trauma. It led her to publish a 3rd book that she had written 3 years prior regarding inner peace entitled, "3 Must Have Connections for Inner Peace."

In 2021 Robin launched her new online program that teaches and certifies you to become a Grief Coach.

Robin's expertise is in coaching clients, speaking, writing books and teaching through online grief courses.

Robin is a trained facilitator for AFSP (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention), The founder of Facebook Suicide Recovery, owner of Robin Chodak Coaching and Grief Healing LLC, Certified Grief, Life, Spiritual Coach, Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, International Speaker, Certified Reiki Practitioner, Certified Master NLP Practitioner, Author of 4 books and Creator of Online courses available on Udemy.com.

To learn more about Robin Chodak and her work, please visit: robinchodak.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— "My passion is to help others transform their lives using the tools I've acquired and implemented from the Certification in Positive Psychology course and as a Positive Psychology Coach. I hope that as they learn and live these practices they will serve and lead too. I've gone on to create Meet-up groups, speak to organizations, podcasts, work with children in schools, created a postcard campaign, published newspaper articles, lead workshops/retreats, conduct coaching sessions, and I cannot wait to see what else is in store for me. I believe so much in the transformational power of this work that my once reserved shy self cannot help but speak up. This is not just a movement of the self, it is a movement beyond the self in service of the greater good. As we, the tiny ripples move out and become agents of change, we create a tidal wave of positivity, light, and happiness out into the world. " – Writes Natalie

Valeria interviews Natalie Hoerner — the author of

"Gratitude: A Journal Of The Heart"

Natalie Hoerner is also the founder of Gifts of Gratitude and a coach. Natalie has come to understand and appreciate what it means to live a life of passion and purpose through her professional training and life experiences.

She's a certified and licensed in Positive Psychology, the study of what makes people happy, through the Whole Being Institute. Natalie studied under renowned Harvard Professor, Tal Ben-Sharar, and is licensed in facilitating the Inspire Your Ideal Workshop.

To learn more about Natalie Hoerner and her work, please visit: nataliehoerner.com and facebook.com/NataliesGiftsOfGratitude

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— Therapy is an important step in discovering the world around you and finding your place in it — Transpersonal psychology is a humanistic approach to therapy which values wholeness/holistic approaches. The essential self is a combination of the transpersonal, self-transcendent and spiritual aspects of human experience. All of life's experiences are considered valuable and growth enhancing, and every individual is treated according to their innate striving toward a higher reality. Ultimately, in transpersonal psychology healing and growth is approached through discovery of the centrality of self.

Valeria interviews Maggie Lavey — she earned her master's in clinical Mental Health and is currently a doctoral student in the final dissertation process to earn her Psy.D. with emphasis in Health and Wellness at University of Arizona Global Campus.

Maggie works as a clinical therapist associate specializing in trauma informed therapy approaches working with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, relational trauma from toxic patterns, PTSD, and complex trauma. She holds certifications as an EMDR trained therapist, certified trauma informed yoga instructor, and mindfulness meditation instructor. She believes in a humanistic holistic approach to the therapeutic relationship and helps support others in successfully transforming their lives in positive ways by increasing self-awareness of limiting thoughts and beliefs. She believes a combination of approaches aid in the journey to discover one's highest self and reach one's full potential.

To learn more about Maggie Lavey and her work, please visit: counselinganywhere.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— "We love Mother Earth and all of her inhabitants, and we show it through kindness and environmental responsibility. From ingredients, to sourcing, to partnerships, we aim for the lowest environmental impact, while ensuring our milks provide optimal nutritional benefits." — PlantBaby's founders Lauren and Alex Abelin.

Valeria interviews Lauren Abelin — she has dedicated her life to researching and developing human-centered solutions to problems impacting mental and physical well-being.

Previously she worked in the non-profit sector as an emotional learning specialist, implementing programs in school districts which helped thousands of children develop stress management skills. Her 10+ years of experience in the field and her own healing journey managing a chronic illness have inspired her to address the issue of toxicity in our food and the state of children's health. She co-founded PlantBaby and created Kiki Milk alongside her husband after their son was born. She is committed to empowering others in their journey to attain mind-body wisdom, adopt healthier lifestyles, and live the most enriched lives possible. Lauren brings to the company the vision, a health and nutrition background, and experience designing products as a Mom.

To learn more about Lauren Abelin and her work, please visit: kikimilk.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— Pain is a natural function and a useful one to keep our body safe and functional. Pain is always possible; however, suffering is optional. Suffering, in a way, is like experiencing the pain twice. Pain can be mental torment or emotional overload just as much as physical pain. There is always an answer to your personal trauma. There is always help. Always someone who cares. Each and every person is important and valuable in this world. Humanity needs everyone to make the inner change towards peace, love and kindness. We need everyone to find a way to step through the pain and discomfort and learn to simply be our self. We all have skills and talents that are useful to others. Useful to bringing humanity together to work as one. We are not meant to go through this life alone. We are most effective when we join together and work as a team. Whether that is two people or a whole bunch, connecting and sharing.

Valeria interviews Meera Ishaya — the author of "Peace Or Pain: Discovering The Unbroken You And Changing Your Relationship With Pain."

Meera is an Ishaya Monk who teaches and uses a meditation type practice called Ascension. Her legal name is Sally Page and she originally graduated as a Graphic Designer in 1993. Illness, mobility issues and chronic pain led her to go on a search, initially for a cure, which then turned into a spiritual quest.

Meera hit rock bottom in 2005 and no longer wished to live with the extreme pain and mobility restrictions. In choosing not to live a miracle happened, and she had a transcendent experience that forever changed her outlook on life.

With renewed determination and newfound hope, Meera read book after book and explored a variety of therapies and workshops. In this search she came across an ancient teaching of The Bright Path Ishayas and finally felt at home.

This teaching was just the beginning of a beautiful journey of self-discovery and culminated in Meera becoming an Ishaya Monk and Teacher of the Ascension techniques.

A big part of Meera's journey has been overcoming the long term chronic pain and other health issues. The focus went from trying to find a cure, to curiosity about the inner stillness within us all. This shift led to a new discovery, by prioritizing exploring stillness, healing happened by itself.

To learn more about Meera Ishaya and her work, please visit: boundless-meditation.co.uk. You also contact Meera at [email protected]

To join The Bright Path Academy online course, please visit: https://thebrightpathonline.com/meera-mc

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— The brutal truth in grief is that the widely accepted definitions of healing, such as going back to normal, do not apply. Katherine Hatch has spent many years thinking about what "healing" actually means in grief and how this "healing" occurs. This post is about the "how" of healing, more than the "what."

She has noticed a pattern in her clients who find a way to live within their grief—these folks receive compassion and empathy (NOT pity) from those around them, whether that is from a friend or a complete stranger. In this act of witnessing and connection, their grief is allowed to exist, and the irony is in this allowing for the grief to exist, it can finally move and change and evolve. She truly believes that the key ingredient of healing is not a matter of time—it is a matter of connection and feeling as though someone feels and sees us in our experience.

And to go one step further, Katherine believes that the MOST effective and sustainable mechanism for healing (whether this is related to grief or trauma) is in feeling witnessed and seen by ourselves. There is great power in feeling witnessed by others—and there is even more settling when the parts of us that have been deeply wounded and are grieving know that WE see them and are paying attention. In essence, this is self-compassion-- a turning towards ourselves with grace and love. This is the ultimate in allowing our grief to exist, and propels healing. Those who are able to turn towards their own grief and pain and suffering with grace not only find a way to live within the experience—they usually find themselves (however surprising) living well within their experience.

Valeria interviews Katherine Hatch — MSW, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C is a grief therapist, advocate, and educator.

She is also the owner of Grounded Grief, a grief-focused psychotherapy practice serving humans on both coasts, as well as clinicians and communities who are building capacity to sit with grief. Katherine's passion for grief and loss began over 15 years ago during her time as a hospice volunteer. She has since worked as a clinical social worker in palliative care and hospice settings in Colorado, Oregon, and Maryland, as well as a grief and trauma psychotherapist for the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing in Washington, DC. Currently, Katherine provides individual and group sessions in her practice, as well as training consultation and facilitation. Katherine lives in Portland, Oregon with her five-year old daughter and their beloved lop-eared bunny, Snowball. Currently, she loves playing wall-ball and working on her book.

To learn more about Katherine Hatch and her work, please visit her profile on Instagram @groundedgrief.com — and also, visit her website groundedgrief.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— Your attachment style is one of the most important pieces of self-knowledge and understanding. It is now known that our childhood experiences can really affect how we view ourselves and the world around us. Don't even try to engage in relationships before you truly understand your attachment history and style. Yes, it's that important. Already in a relationship? Listen to this episode and learn how to make it healthier.

Valeria interviews Anna Khandrueva — she is a psychotherapist in private practice located in Colorado, USA. She specializes in treating trauma and bipolar disorder along with helping couples get their groove back.

Working with relationships and attachment is Anna's passion. She believes in healing the world by re-establishing emotional connection between people. With a background in social work and marriage therapy, Anna rejoices in being a teacher as well as a helper. She has created courses about attachment and about bipolar disorder with the hope of contributing to a better and kinder world.

To learn more about Anna Khandrueva and her work, please visit: couragetohealtherapy.com and courage-to-heal-academy.teachable.com/p/attachment-style

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.

— Believe or not, the world has gotten a whole lot nosier, and many of those noises have crept into our homes and our workplaces. For home, noise levels can come from loud neighbors, barking dogs, loud appliances, lawn mowers and kids yelling throughout the house. For work, noise levels can come from cell phones ringing and texts dinging all day, or people congregating outside of your cubicle with full blown conversations and laugher. Who has time to concentrate and focus on mental balance when our minds have to fight against these disturbances all day? In fact, a recent workplace noise related study showed that 68% of job seekers admitted they are listening to more than your benefits package. They are judging the noise levels in the office. The episode is about the negative impact of noise sensitivity on stress and mental wellness. Poppy Szkiler is the CEO of Quiet Mark a company that is on a mission to make home and work quieter. An independent scheme, Quiet Mark acoustically tests products to enable consumers to easily identify quieter products for the home, workplace and public spaces which will benefit health and wellbeing.

Valeria interviews Poppy Szkiler — After a short career as an actress in films and TV, Poppy Szkiler followed her grandfather's footsteps to become the founder and CEO of Quiet Mark.

The company helps consumers and specifiers find the quietest products and building materials available. She was named "the Queen of Quiet" by the UK's Sunday Times newspaper and she is a passionate campaigner for the impact of sound on well-being.

To learn more about Poppy Szkiler and her work, please visit: quietmark.com

— This podcast is a quest for well-being, a quest for a meaningful life through the exploration of fundamental truths, enlightening ideas, insights on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The inspiration is Love. The aspiration is to awaken new ways of thinking that can lead us to a new way of being, being well.