Hopeology

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Have you ever considered the depth of healing that art can provide? We welcome Bridget, an Expressive Arts Therapist, and owner of Expressive Arts Works, who takes us through her transformative journey and the remarkable impact of art on her personal healing. We navigate complex issues like the influence of white wellness culture and its tendency to appropriate practices from collectivistic cultures.

We further delve into the subtle shifts an expressive art practice can bring into our lives. Bridget's story doesn't stop at her becoming an Expressive Arts Therapist; she also shares her coming out story in 2018, reflecting on its profound impact and meaning on her life. We explore her awakening to social justice and healing through art and its role in her own identity.

We discuss how Bridget uses expressive arts to create more meaningful connections, facilitate change, and empower others through the sense of community and belonging that we all need and require. Community has been an ongoing theme in many of our podcasts. Listen in as we emphasize the importance of collective care for healing, and how small acts of reaching out to each other can forge a community and foster connection.

To learn more about Bridget's work and to follow her see:
@expressive_arts_work
https://linktr.ee/bhopeb

Information on where you can find us. 

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: @hopeologypodcast and the host @writerchristinamckelvy
To support the show, go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hopeologypodcast

Disclaimer: The views reflected by any of the guests may not reflect the views of the podcast host. Some topics may be difficult for some viewers, so proceed at your own risk. This podcast does not replace psychotherapy or advice and is for entertainment purposes only.

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Do you ever stop to question the impact of social media on our mental health? This episode is a must-listen as we welcome Asianna Saragosa-Torres, a mental health advocate and former Miss Hawaii contestant, who unpacks the complex intersection of bullying, mental health, and advocacy. Asianna shares her personal journey, highlighting how her experiences with bullying shaped her understanding of her own mental health and propelled her to become an advocate.  She also brings to light the harrowing realities of social media addresses the negative impacts social media has, and explores the potential for it to be a platform for raising mental health awareness.

This conversation is not just about the need to increase mental health awareness, especially among young people, but the tools we can employ to achieve this. Asianna's journey culminates in a message of hope and resilience, emphasizing that each one of us can play a role in destigmatizing mental health and fostering a culture of understanding, acceptance, and support.

Warnings: Talks of suicide and bullying

Follow her:

Instagram: @yafavoritelatinaa

Watch her past interviews:
KITV News

Support:
NAMI walks

Information on where you can find us. 

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: @hopeologypodcast and the host @writerchristinamckelvy
To support the show, go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hopeologypodcast

Disclaimer: The views reflected by any of the guests may not reflect the views of the podcast host. Some topics may be difficult for some viewers, so proceed at your own risk. This podcast does not replace psychotherapy or advice and is for entertainment purposes only.

Send a text

I want to first bring attention to the Maui fires in Kula and Lahaina that occurred last week. It just breaks my heart what is happening.  The devastation is heartbreaking to observe. The locals and Kanaka Maoli are going to need financial assistance to rebuild so I have listed some places below to donate to. 
https://www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mauifirespets/
https://mauiunitedway.org/disasterrelief
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What would happen if we allowed ourselves to truly feel, to coexist with and acknowledge all our emotions, especially the ones we'd rather ignore? On today's episode, we explore this question with accomplished licensed professional counselor, Hannah Carr. Hannah's personal journey has its roots in an environment of addiction, and this has not only fostered her resilience, but also shaped her perspective on the human experience, mental health, and recovery.

Navigating through the complexities of mental health, addiction, and the power of connection, Hannah’s experiences offer a poignant illustration of the human journey. We touched on emotional regulation, the language of emotions, and the role of 'unfinished business' in our reactions to certain situations. Hannah also enlightened us about the importance of giving ourselves permission to feel; an essential step in processing our emotions, and the power of authenticity and vulnerability in emotional healing.

As we wind up our conversation, we delve into the fundamental principles of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Hannah beautifully explained the importance of physiological needs and how community and connection can help meet these. The conversation took an insightful turn towards the importance of safe spaces for marginalized communities and the power of boundaries. Hannah’s personal experiences with overcoming obstacles, highlight the incredible power of authenticity and supportive communities.

Marc Brackett
https://www.marcbrackett.com/about/book-permission-to-feel/

Here is a Maslow’s overview:
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-maslow-hierarchy-of-need
 

Social Media Links for Hannah Carr
http://linkedin.com/in/hannah-carr-unquera-lpc-bc-tmh-41a97868

“The opposite of addiction is connection.” Hannah Carr

Information on where you can find us. 

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: @hopeologypodcast and the host @writerchristinamckelvy
To support the show, go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hopeologypodcast

Disclaimer: The views reflected by any of the guests may not reflect the views of the podcast host. Some topics may be difficult for some viewers, so proceed at your own risk. This podcast does not replace psychotherapy or advice and is for entertainment purposes only.

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Dr. Andrea Annibale shares with us her journey into getting her doctorate in psychology, a career change she made later in life, and the significant role therapies like EMDR and Accelerated Resolution Therapy have played in her journey through major life transitions. Throughout our chat, we spotlight the importance of creating a safe space for authenticity, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Andrea sheds light on how therapists can nurture an environment of authenticity, challenging themselves to be vulnerable while supporting their clients genuinely. She reinforces the idea that recognizing our shared humanity can pave the way for understanding and appreciating our differences, ultimately fostering an atmosphere of connection and self-compassion.
We also touch upon the influence of language on our inner voice and the crucial role it plays in self-compassion. Join us as we explore Andrea's inspiring journey and her insights into finding hope and authenticity within the therapeutic process.

"I want to provide a space for my clients where they feel seen and heard in, maybe a way that they're not able to feel seen and heard in their everyday life. A place where they can just come in and exhale and breathe and go yeah, this is what's happening and I don't know what to do about it. And this is how I'm feeling or this is what it looks like, and just kind of exploring what it means for them to be in that space and then weaving in. "- Dr. Andrea Annibale, PsyD.

Instagram page: @onepsychservices
Website: https://onepsychservices.com

Information on where you can find us. 

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: @hopeologypodcast and the host @writerchristinamckelvy
To support the show, go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hopeologypodcast

Disclaimer: The views reflected by any of the guests may not reflect the views of the podcast host. Some topics may be difficult for some viewers, so proceed at your own risk. This podcast does not replace psychotherapy or advice and is for entertainment purposes only.

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Rob Grabow, is an actor, director, and producer. His most recent work is an independent film called, The Year of the Dog. He talks about learning emotional vulnerability and attunement through acting, we explore men’s struggle with being vulnerable, the importance of community connection, and the healing powers of animals.

 “I think that that is one of the most beautiful things that exist in this world, is that genuine sense of seen and being seen at the same time.”  - Rob Grabow

Links:
Instagram: @rob.grabow and @theyearofthedogmovie
http://www.robertgrabow.com/
https://www.theyearofthedogmovie.com/

Information on where you can find us. 

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: @hopeologypodcast and the host @writerchristinamckelvy
To support the show, go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hopeologypodcast

Disclaimer: The views reflected by any of the guests may not reflect the views of the podcast host. Some topics may be difficult for some viewers, so proceed at your own risk. This podcast does not replace psychotherapy or advice and is for entertainment purposes only.

Send a text

Today we hear from Symone. She speaks about her mental health journey, and how she was able to break unhelpful generational cycles. We talk about relationships and navigating dating. She also shares how she has found resilience through being an entrepreneur, learning from failure, being okay with sitting in discomfort, and finding the strength to verbalize her needs. 

 “I was a seed, and I blossomed into a little flower.”  - Symone

Follow Symone on Instagram at @poeticsymone

TW: Talks about SA. 

Information on where you can find us. 

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: @hopeologypodcast and the host @writerchristinamckelvy
To support the show, go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hopeologypodcast

Disclaimer: The views reflected by any of the guests may not reflect the views of the podcast host. Some topics may be difficult for some viewers, so proceed at your own risk. This podcast does not replace psychotherapy or advice and is for entertainment purposes only.

Send a text

Today we hear from Angie. She shares her experience as a child being adopted, living in residential homes, and how she and her family navigated that journey. We also speak on the importance of feeling safe, seen, and heard toward one’s healing and resilience.

If you’re brighter than that negativity, I think then there’s always hope. - Angie

TW: Talks about abuse and neglect. 

Information on where you can find us. 

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: @hopeologypodcast and the host @writerchristinamckelvy
To support the show, go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hopeologypodcast

Disclaimer: The views reflected by any of the guests may not reflect the views of the podcast host. Some topics may be difficult for some viewers, so proceed at your own risk. This podcast does not replace psychotherapy or advice and is for entertainment purposes only.

Send a text

For our first episode, we speak with Hayley Park. She is a music and recreational therapist ( MM. MT-BC). We explore her love and her journey to becoming a music therapist, and how she uses music's healing powers to bring others joy. 

"When people are seen for what they do well, I think that brings a lot of self-confidence, as well as hope. " – Hayley Park

TW: Talks of completed suicide and death. If you are having suicidal thoughts please dial 988. 

Follow Hayley on Instagram: @hayley.park.soprano   

Information on where you can find us. 

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: @hopeologypodcast and the host @writerchristinamckelvy
To support the show, go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hopeologypodcast

Disclaimer: The views reflected by any of the guests may not reflect the views of the podcast host. Some topics may be difficult for some viewers, so proceed at your own risk. This podcast does not replace psychotherapy or advice and is for entertainment purposes only.

Send a text

Authentic stories of Hope, Healing, and Resilience. Story topics may include mental health and medical journeys, life lessons about career, family, and loss. If the story is about a lesson in Hope, we cover it. 

Some episodes may not be suited for a younger audience. 

Music by Scott Holmes

Support the show

Follow us on Instagram: @hopeologypodcast and the host @writerchristinamckelvy
To support the show, go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hopeologypodcast

Disclaimer: The views reflected by any of the guests may not reflect the views of the podcast host. Some topics may be difficult for some viewers, so proceed at your own risk. This podcast does not replace psychotherapy or advice and is for entertainment purposes only.