Karen Shaak, host of "At My Kitchen Table" interviews Monica about her childhood, her background, her family, and the life experiences that led her to pursue a career as a therapist and social worker.

We want to thank Karen for this great interview, and for letting us share this great conversation with our listeners!

Mon and Jess discuss depression and how to differentiate it from sadness or grief. They explore the impact that depression can have on the people who experience it and those who love them, and they talk about various ways to address it, from self-care to therapy and medication. Resources are provided for those in need, and advice is offered to those who suspect a loved one may be experiencing depression.

Mon and Jess discuss love languages, the different ways that people express and receive love, and how understanding your love language, and the love language of the important people in your life, can enrich your relationships.

Mon welcomes a very special guest, Ayesha, and they discuss the epidemic of loneliness and the unique factors of our modern era that have created and exacerbated our sense of emotional isolation from one another. They explore the ways that loneliness can be manifested in our lives, the struggles we face in trying to connect with others, and ways we can reach out and create lasting relationships.

Mon and Jes identify different types of trauma and the ways that trauma can be manifested. They then discuss trauma bonding, relationships that are characterized by shared trauma. Are these relationships sustainable? Are they healthy?

Mon and Jes talk about gaslighting: where the term came from, what it is, who does it, and how to maintain clarity if someone is making you doubt your own perception.

Mon and Jess explore betrayal blindness, which occurs when a person experiences betrayal but cannot recognize or acknowledge it. They discuss the causes of betrayal blindness, the ripple effects of betrayal by a loved one, and healthy ways to try to rebuild bonds that have been damaged by betrayal.

Mon talks about stimming-repetitive sounds, actions, or movements that help some people manage sensory overload and regulate emotions.

Mon and Jes discuss microaggressions: what they are, how they affect the people who experience them, how to be mindful about doing them, and how to handle them constructively if you experience them.

Mon discusses the fear of speaking on the phone and it's prevalence in modern society.