In this episode, I talk with Joey Tapia, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor, about the realities of completing a phd program and we also dive into a big not so talked about topic “interabled couples”.

Joey  is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in counseling at the University of North Texas (UNT). Joey has served clients with disabilities in public and private rehabilitation settings as well as, in private practice. He now serves clients across the lifespan with a special focus on disability in three languages (i.e. English, Spanish, and American Sign Language). His research interests include bilingualism in counseling and supervision, interabled couples interventions, and culturally and linguistically responsive mental health care across the lifespan.

In this episode we cover:

• Quitting your full-time job to pursue a phd
• The struggles of phd life
• What is an Interabled Couple?
• The impact a disability has on significant others
• Being privileged and able
• How environment/society affects how we see individuals with disabilities
• Intimacy and exploring this as a couple
• Online dating and having a disability

Guest Contact:

Interested in therapy with Joey: Click Here

Brooke threw so much truth in this episode. Brooke talks about trying to figure out who she is while navigating her 20s, embracing herself as a woman of faith, and just being her authentic self.

Brooke is an aspiring architect and social media influencer with the mission to empower other women.

In this episode we cover

• Faith, encouragement, being your authentic self
• Finding a community where you can just be yourself
• We discuss “Church Hurt”
• “It’s Not about Church it’s about God”
• Trying to figure out things in your 20s.
• Having insecurities and just owning it
• Having a voice and speaking out for yourself
• Advocating for yourself in your career

Follow Brooke on Instagram.

Mentioned in the Episode:

Church: Shoreline

Movies: I Feel Pretty

Moving away from your home can seem difficult.  In this episode, you get to  hear Monica catch up with her friend Kevin Flores. Kevin is a New York Film Academy graduate, Model, Active Military, Traveler, and Aspiring Actor.  Kevin and I discuss what people really don’t talk about which is how it is to dive in to a new city, culture, meet friends, finding yourself, finding love, and pursuing your passions all at the same time. Kevin will give us advice and share his story of how he opened opportunities for himself and how he  currently has to make sacrifice for his future goals.

Kevin’s story can resonate with alot of people in their 20s who are afraid to move out of their hometown to leave what is comfortable. Kevin shares a unique experience because he didn’t pursue college right after high school. He took a random amazing opportunity to join the military which led to him being stationed in Germany for 3 years. Kevin talks to us about the mistakes he has made. Kevin’s story will inspire you to keep trying and be curious.

Guest Contact:

Follow Kevin on Instagram and Twitter. 

Click here for the shownotes.

In this episode I explain what therapy is. I discuss the benefits of therapy and some of the misconceptions of therapy. I also dive into different ways on how to afford therapy.

**Disclaimer**: Part 2 of this episode will be a bonus episode coming on a later date.

Interested in Therapy with Me: Click here 

Visit my website for the show notes: www.cafewithmonica.com

In this episode, I talk about toxic people, how to identify a toxic person and how do you deal with a toxic person in your life.What if this person is a close friend? How do you deal with a toxic friend?  Can you build boundaries and why is it unhealthy to be friends with a toxic person.

Check out the website for the show notes for this episode.

In this episode, you will hear about a daughter’s experience finding her father after he took his life. Devyn Walker is a mental health professional, yoga instructor, and health & wellness advocate. Devyn walks us through the trauma, what happened after, how this impacted her life, and how she began working on herself. We discuss the signs of suicide so you can learn and share how to recognize them.

Visit www.cafewithmonica.com to access the shownotes. 

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Follow Devyn on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and check out her blog.

It’s National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. I am so happy to have interviewed Lyndsey Luther skydiver, solo traveler, photography lover, and a mental health professional to discuss her experience as a survivor of sexual assault. We get deep into her story . She shares what happened after the attack, the process she went through, and what you can do to seek help if you are a survivor of sexual assault.

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Follow Lydnsey on Instagram, and read more about her story on her blog.

In this episode, I share what anxiety is and what it feels to have anxiety such as the symptoms of anxiety. I share my personal story when I realized I had my first panic attack while in graduate school. I talk about ways you can deal with your anxiety.

Monica is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Professional Counseling Intern, and mental health advocate. She is coffee obsessed. Monica is the creator of Café with Monica.

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