In today's episode of Psych Talk I discuss redefining failure.  Failure can mean a lot of things - a lack of success, not meeting a desired outcome, or the inability to perform a certain function. What someone deems a failure depends on the context, as well as the person's perception. In most contexts, however, something is a failure because we label it as such, not because it is innately a failure. In this episode I discuss why we fear failure, how our perceived failures do not define us as a person, and how failure is not always bad. Additionally, I discuss how we can redefine failure by changing out language around perceived failures, taking responsibility for what happened without attaching it to our worth, identifying the successes within the failure, and focusing on what you learned from the experience. 

Ways to Work With Me:
Mind Over Matter
LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass
Be a guest on my podcast

Resources:
Value Aligned 2021 Journal
Anti-Racism Resources
LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources
The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting

Connect with Me:
Follow me on IG @jessicaleighphd.
Follow me on TikTok @jessicaleighphd
Join my Facebook community: Grow Through What You Go Through

Sponsors & Collaborations:
BetterHelp
DiveThru Website
DiveThru App

Intro/Outro Music:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod
Music License

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In today's episode of Psych Talk I had the privilege of speaking with Jax Anderson, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who works with tweens and teens, as well as their parents, helping parents better understand their tween or teen. Jax discusses the brain development of tweens and teens and how understanding such helps both parents and adolescents normalize and validate tweens' and teens' experience. We discuss the important of understanding and encouraging emotional intelligence and how doing so can promote intellect, as well as a positive relationship between parent and child. Jax discusses how she teaches her parents to treat their child like an "adult in training" and provides listeners with tangible skills and tips on what they can do to best support and understand the tweens and teens in their lives. Even if you are not a parent of a tween or teen, Jax provides knowledge and insights that can apply to anyone who parents, works with, or knows an adolescent.

Connect with Jax:
TikTok: psyko_therapy
Instagram: thepsykotherapist
Website: The Psyko Therapist - Home
Facebook: Moms Raising Tweens & Teens | Facebook

Ways to Work With Me:
Mind Over Matter
LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass
Be a guest on my podcast

Resources:
Value Aligned 2021 Journal
Anti-Racism Resources
LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources
The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting

Connect with Me:
Follow me on IG @jessicaleighphd.
Follow me on TikTok @jessicaleighphd
Join my Facebook community: Grow Through What You Go Through

Sponsors & Collaborations:
BetterHelp
DiveThru Website
DiveThru App

Intro/Outro Music:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod
Music License

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In today's episode of Psych Talk I chat with Kristen Gingrich, LCSW, CADC about mental health influencers. Kristen has created a large social media following on TikTok and Instagram as a licensed therapist and we discuss the impact of non-credentialed social media influencers creating mental health content and giving advice on their platforms. Unlike other episodes where I interview my guests, Kristen and I just sat down and chatted about different topics related to mental health influencers. We discuss the benefits and risks of unlicensed mental health influencers providing mental health content online, the lack of consequences for influencers versus licensed professionals who have a social media presence, and how to tell is someone online is a professional or an influencer. Additionally, we discuss some common topics of misinformation we see from influencers frequently on different social media platforms. 

Connect with Kristen:
TikTok: notyouraveragethrpst
IG: notyouraveragethrpst

Ways to Work With Me:
Mind Over Matter
LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass
Be a guest on my podcast

Resources:
Value Aligned 2021 Journal
Anti-Racism Resources
LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources
The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting

Connect with Me:
Follow me on IG @jessicaleighphd.
Follow me on TikTok @jessicaleighphd
Join my Facebook community: Grow Through What You Go Through

Sponsors & Collaborations:
BetterHelp
DiveThru Website
DiveThru App

Intro/Outro Music:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod
Music License

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In today's episode of Psych Talk I discuss therapist red and green flags. One of the most common questions I get on social media is "How do I find a good therapist?" Ultimately, the question that needs to be asked is "How do I find a good therapist for me" because what one person deems a "good" therapist, may not be good for another person; it is all about the therapeutic fit. However, across the board there are red flags and green flags to look out for in a therapist. In this episode, I discuss a number of different red and greens to look out for when engaging in a therapeutic relationship, as well as answer some questions about finding a good therapist that were submitted to me on social media. If you are listening to this episode and considering finding a therapist for yourself or are currently in therapy, I hope this episode provides some insight into the type of therapist you desire, as well as what behaviors are indications it is time to find a new therapist.

Ways to Work With Me:
Mind Over Matter
LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass
Be a guest on my podcast

Resources:
Value Aligned 2021 Journal
Anti-Racism Resources
LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources
The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting

Connect with Me:
Follow me on IG @jessicaleighphd.
Follow me on TikTok @jessicaleighphd
Join my Facebook community: Grow Through What You Go Through

Sponsors & Collaborations:
BetterHelp
DiveThru Website
DiveThru App

Intro/Outro Music:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod
Music License

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In today's episode of Psych Talk I discuss bipolar disorder. I quickly debunk the misconception that bipolar disorder is simply mood swings and provide listeners on information on what a major depressive episode, manic episode, and hypomanic episode are.  I discuss the differences and similarities between Bipolar I and Bipolar II disorder, as well as touch on Bipolar Disorder in kids and cyclothymic disorder. Although not considered a bipolar-related disorder, I also discuss Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, as this disorder was introduced in the DSM-5 to distinguish between children who have a true bipolar disorder, versus those with anger and irritability in the context of a mood disorder. Further, I discuss treatments for bipolar disorder and how to seek out help if you feel you or someone you love may have bipolar disorder.

Ways to Work With Me:
Mind Over Matter
LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass
Be a guest on my podcast

Resources:
Value Aligned 2021 Journal
Anti-Racism Resources
LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources
The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting

Connect with Me:
Follow me on IG @jessicaleighphd.
Follow me on TikTok @jessicaleighphd
Join my Facebook community: Grow Through What You Go Through

Sponsors & Collaborations:
BetterHelp
DiveThru Website
DiveThru App

Intro/Outro Music:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod
Music License

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In today's episode of Psych Talk I speak with Dr. Denise Bossarte, poet, award winning writing, photographer, artist, doctor in developmental neuroscience, and survivor of childhood sexual abuse. Dr. Bossarte shares her story of enduring childhood sexual abuse and discusses her healing journey. Dr. Bossarte's book Thriving  After Sexual Abuse: Break Your Bondage to the Past and Live a Life You Love released in April 2021 and we discussed the contents of the book and what inspired her to write it. Dr. Bossarte shares with listeners what aspects and interventions helped with her healing journey and how she went from surviving to thriving. Dr. Bossarte also provides any listeners who can relate to her story encouragement and hope surrounding healing after abuse. This is a beautiful, real, and raw conversation that anyone, survivor of abuse or not, can learn from.

Content warning: sexual abuse, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, and addiction.

Connect with Dr. Bossarte
Website: thrivingaftersexualabusebook.com
Facebook: Thriving After Sexual Abuse
Twitter: @amthrivingafter
Instagram: @metooheal
Buy Thriving After Sexual Abuse: Break Your Bondage to the Past and Live a Life You Love

Ways to Work With Me:
Mind Over Matter
LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass
Be a guest on my podcast

Resources:
Value Aligned 2021 Journal
Anti-Racism Resources
LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources
The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting

Connect with Me:
Follow me on IG @jessicaleighphd.
Follow me on TikTok @jessicaleighphd
Join my Facebook community: Grow Through What You Go Through

Sponsors & Collaborations:
BetterHelp
DiveThru Website
DiveThru App

Intro/Outro Music:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In today's episode of Psych Talk I chat with Dr. Carrie Jackson about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dr. Carrie is a postdoctoral fellow specializing in ADHD and behavior disorders in children and parenting therapy. Dr. Carrie defines ADHD for listeners and discusses common areas of life that individuals with ADHD struggle in. She shares some differences and similarities between ADHD in children and adults, as well as misconceptions about ADHD. Dr. Carrie offers advice to parents who believe their child may have ADHD or has already been diagnosed with ADHD, as well as discusses how an individual can be assessed for and diagnosed with ADHD.

Connect with Dr. Carrie:
Instagram: @the.parent.therapist
Website: www.drcarriejackson.com
Podcast: Therapists Who Brunch
Free ADHD Guide for Parents

Ways to Work With Me:
Mind Over Matter
LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass
Be a guest on my podcast

Resources:
Value Aligned 2021 Journal
Anti-Racism Resources
LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources
The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting

Connect with Me:
Follow me on IG @jessicaleighphd.
Follow me on TikTok @jessicaleighphd
Join my Facebook community: Grow Through What You Go Through

Sponsors & Collaborations:
BetterHelp
DiveThru Website
DiveThru App

Intro/Outro Music:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod
Music License

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In today's episode of Psych Talk I discuss dialectics. In the therapy realm, dialectics is often associated with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); however, the skill is featured in various schools of psychotherapy. Briefly, a dialectic is a tension between to seemingly contradictory viewpoints where a truth will emerge from their interplay.  In this episode, I discuss dialectics as they relate to DBT, the power of using the word "and" when experiencing two opposing statements, provide examples of dialectics, and discuss the benefits of practicing dialectics in our lives. Dialectics is a skill that all of us can implement that can make a lot of positive differences for our emotional wellbeing. 

Ways to Work With Me:
Mind Over Matter
LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass
Be a guest on my podcast

Resources:
Value Aligned 2021 Journal
Anti-Racism Resources
LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources
The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting

Connect with Me:
Follow me on IG @jessicaleighphd.
Follow me on TikTok @jessicaleighphd
Join my Facebook community: Grow Through What You Go Through

Sponsors & Collaborations:
BetterHelp
DiveThru Website
DiveThru App

Intro/Outro Music:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod
Music License

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In this episode of Psych Talk, I speak with Chelsea Duhaime, a teacher, coach, and single mom all about mom guilt. Chelsea shares her story of being raised around single moms and becoming a single mom herself, and how that has shaped her passion to work with other single moms. Chelsea defines what "mom guilt" means to her and the areas of life mother's tend to feel the most guilty over. Chelsea discusses the common experiences and challenges all moms face, as well as touches on unique challenges specific to single moms and working moms. Additionally, Chelsea provides listeners with tips for overcoming feelings of mom guilt. Although this episode is specifically targeted to mothers, the experiences we discuss could apply to any parent or guardian.

Connect with Chelsea:
Instagram: @healthcoachchelsea182

Ways to Work With Me:
1:1 Coaching
Mind Over Matter
LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass
Be a guest on my podcast

Resources:
Value Aligned 2021 Journal
Anti-Racism Resources
LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources
The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting

Connect with Me:
Follow me on IG @jessicaleighphd.
Follow me on TikTok @jessicaleighphd
Join my Facebook community: Grow Through What You Go Through

Sponsors & Collaborations:
BetterHelp
DiveThru Website
DiveThru App

Intro/Outro Music:
Life of Riley by Kevin MacLeod
Music License

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

In today's episode of Psych Talk I speak with Gabrielle Morreale, a licensed professional counselor specializing in eating disorders. Gabby shares a little bit about her personal story and how she came to work with this population and gives listeners a brief overview of eating disorders. We discuss different evidence-based interventions used to treat eating disorders, as well as common misconceptions about eating disorders. Gabby talks about the health at every size (HAES) movement and eating disorder treatment, as well as speaks about eating disorder recovery. Gabby provides listeners with information on how to seek help for eating disorders and provides hope for anyone who may be struggling.

The topics covered in this episode may be triggering for some individuals who have had or are currently struggling with an eating disorder or disordered eating. If you find this episode to be triggering to you, please stop listening and reach out to someone you trust. Your mental health and recovery is important.

Connect with Gabby:
Instagram: @gabriellelpc & @recoveredandrestored
Website: https://www.recoveredandrestoredtherapy.com/

Eating Disorder Resources:
Jennifer Rollin's Trainings
Colleen Reichmann's Trainings
National Eating Disorders Association

Eating Disorder Recovery IG Accounts:
@mybodytribe
@SarahherstichLCSW
@jennifer_rollin
@dr.colleenreichmann
@homebodytherapy
@shaytinari.rd
@theshirarose
@evahaldis_rd
@nourishmnt

Ways to Work With Me:
1:1 Coaching
Mind Over Matter
LGBTQ+ Affirming Masterclass
Be a guest on my podcast

Resources:
Value Aligned 2021 Journal
Anti-Racism Resources
LGBTQ+ Affirming Resources
The Helping Professional's Guide to Boundary Setting

Connect with Me:
Follow me on IG @jessicaleighphd.
Follow me on TikTok @jessicaleighphd
Join my Facebook community: Grow Through What You Go Through

Sponsors & Collaborations:
BetterHelp

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify