I'm so excited to share this episode with each of you. Cintia and I met purely through universal alignment. As a first generation PhD student Cintia explores what her mental wellness journey has looked like for her and how she has and continues to navigate this space. She shares experiences from her personal life that have impacted and informed her research interests and fueled her passions. Cintia poses the question: "Are you ok in your head?" and the conversation truly grew from there. In this episode we dive into the science of mental health through a behavioral science lens as Cintia - the future Dr. Hinojosa - shares excerpts from her work in BIPOC communities coupled with vulnerable moments in this journey, specifically as a first generation Mexican American. Cintia hits home with what "Psych's her up"! You'll have to listen to find out. Please be sure to check out Cintia's work via social links below and as always, if something was said that sparked your interest or helped you in anyway, feel free to reach out and give the flowers now. Enjoy! 

Twitter: @cintiaphinojosa

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cintia-hinojosa

Website: voices.uchicago.edu/cintiahinojosa

Whew! What an inspiring episode and what even better way to kick off Black History Month! Join me as I invite two well accomplished licensed therapists doing their thing and taking names to share their stories and pour into each of you. Being a licensed counselor is work, ok? Tiffany Jones (IG: @Tiffany.KitchenRx) and Crystal Joseph (IG: @TheReal_PsycYourMind; Twitter/FB: @PsycYourMind) bring us laughs, knowledge and resources to help us take care of our mental wellbeing. This month is primarily focused on knowledge seeking for clarity and understanding. As we say - bringing the tea. Both clinicians answer a series of questions including their personal definitions of mental health and what psychs them up! They also clear up any confusion or misunderstanding of the role and path of a licensed counselor. I can honestly say, I learned a great deal. I hope you will too! Be sure to give these ladies their flowers now and follow them on your social platform of choice! 

A little prep for what's to come in this month. Sorry for the wait - better late than never right? Anxiety - you gotta love her. I was in a clubhouse room and a psychologist shared that she encourages her clients to name their anxiety. One of their clients named their anxiety Felicia. Whenever their anxiety surfaces, they say: Bye Felicia. Bye Felicia - Welcome Month 2 of Psych me up! 

Very excited to welcome our first guest, India Harris ED.S., LAPC, NCC! Signs of anxiety exhibit in many ways. Although general anxiety is most frequently diagnosed, there are other forms of anxiety that many people live with throughout their entire life. There are many ways to cope with life's everyday, acute and chronic, stressors. These stressors may be the cause of our anxiety. In this episode we talk all things anxiety where India shares with us how this shows up in her work with adolescents, how she remains resilient as a health services worker, how we can reframe how we view anxiety and mental health in the black and brown community and ends with what PSYCH's her up! India can be found on Instagram at @VIVALIGHTGIRL. Be sure to follow her and if there is anything that she said that was helpful for you, don't be afraid to give her her flowers now. 

This is our first FULL episode where we dig deep into what PSYCH me up! is for me and what it can be for you! I will dive into how the podcast will be set up over the course of my journey in therapy throughout the year. You will also learn more about what services and resources will be available online at www.PSYCHmeup.info. 

Interested in learning more about PSYCH me up!? Join me in this mini episode where I give a little insight into why I am embarking on this journey. 

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PSYCH me up! is almost here!