The GRACE Matrix™ Own Your Journey

"Reframing Adoption: How to Overcome Stigma and Embrace Your Unique Story"

with Christine Martinez-Suzukawa, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Life Coach & Happiness Researcher

In this podcast, therapist Christine Martinez-Suzukawa shares her personal journey as an adopted child. Being adopted has not always been easy for Christine, citing that being an adopted child contributed to her depression and suicidal thoughts. But going through therapy really helped her in learning how to love herself and heal. 

Join us and learn more about the challenges adopted children face and how kindness and acceptance can help them thrive. 

Top Reasons To Listen: 

About Christine Martinez-Suzukawa:

Christine is a somatic oriented and trauma trained marriage and family therapist living in Hawaii and is licensed in both Hawaii and California. She is the daughter of an immigrant Mexican mother and is a transracial adoptee. Christine has worked with children and adolescents in public schools for over 20 years, providing mental health services, mindfulness education to students and school staff, and has been a coach for the Girls on the Run program at several of her schools.

Christine is an entrepreneur and owner of Choice Point Psychotherapy, a private practice where she helps adults overcome their fears of living life fully by teaching them to connect with all parts of themselves in order to heal and access their full potential. Christine believes in treating the whole person and enjoys thinking outside the box when it comes to living a fulfilling life and cultivating our overall well being. 

Connect with Christine: 

Ready to Redefine Your Happiness? View it here: https://youtu.be/r0A2FXwyAsw

Own Your Journey!

In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle with overthinking and worry which leaves us feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Hi! I'm Maria Grace Wolk. I’m a Filipina American entrepreneur, Psychotherapist, wife, and mom of two boys; My mission is to amplify diverse perspectives, break the mental health stigma, and inspire you to own your journey to a mind, body, and energy wellness and fulfillment.

The GRACE Matrix™ Own Your Journey

"The Fine Line: Navigating Situationships and Maintaining Your Self Worth"

It's not uncommon for people to want to change themselves in relationships in order to please their partner. But it's vital for your well being, that you do not neglect your own needs, values, and authentic selves.

In this episode, Dontea Mitchell-Hunter shares her experiences from previous relationships and interactions with family that led her to becoming more aware of her self-worth. We talk about relationships and the complexities of modern dating and how women can adapt and flourish. All these experiences and realizations led Dontea to become a self-worth coach and therapist who empowers women to discover their value and self-worth and find their own happiness. 

Listen to Dontea's personal experiences and expert advice so you too can find your self worth while navigating your relationships with confidence and clarity. 

Topics Discussed

About Dontea Mitchell Hunter:

Dontea is a self worth coach, therapist, and speaker that helps melanated women get out of unfulfilling relationships and recreate self love and happiness. Single or partnered, she wants women to know their worth doesn't come from being in a relationship, nor what others think of them. Dontea is also the CEO of In Therapy, an online private practice, and the host of Situation Sh!t. 

Listen on her podcast

Apple | podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/situationsh-t

Connect with Dontea:

Discover the invisible barrier that holds you back

In order to have more, we have to get comfortable being our authentic selves by facing our fears. Find out what your obstacles are so you can prevent them from standing in the way. Click here

Ready to Redefine Your Happiness? View it here: https://youtu.be/r0A2FXwyAsw

Own Your Journey!

In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle with overthinking and worry which leaves us feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Hi! I'm Maria Grace Wolk. I’m a Filipina American entrepreneur, Psychotherapist, wife, and mom of two boys; My mission is to amplify diverse perspectives, break the mental health stigma, and inspire you to own your journey to a mind, body, and energy wellness and fulfillment.

In this episode, our guest Steph Tuazon talks about how through self-discovery, she was able to reconnect with herself and was able to heal from the trauma she’s experienced in her past. 

How taking up space may be difficult, especially for people of color. How challenging it might be to be mindful about not using her successes to define her and how discrimination, trauma, and microaggression can all substantially influence one’s growth.

When healing from trauma, it is necessary to understand where our beliefs are rooted and does it feel true to us. Music and dance are also effective therapeutic techniques to divert your energy.

Topics Discussed:

You can find Steph Tuazon here:

About Steph Tuazon

Stephanie Tuazon is a Pinay/Pilipinx-American therapist seeking to create a healing environment and safer container for those looking to explore their identities, purpose, and authenticity. They are on unceded Tongva territory (Los Angeles) with parents who immigrated from the Philippines (Tagalog and Kapampangan ancestry). Steph is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. They received their Master of Social Welfare from the University of California Los Angeles. She has a Bachelor of Science in Medical Sociology with a minor in Gerontology from Mount St. Mary’s University Los Angeles.

Own Your Journey!

In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle with overthinking and worry which leaves us feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Hi! I'm Maria Grace Wolk. I’m a Filipina American entrepreneur, Psychotherapist, wife, and mom of two boys; My mission is to amplify diverse perspectives, break the mental health stigma, and inspire you to own your journey to wellness and fulfillment.

Is there anything keeping you from changing your life? Watch my TEDx talk https://youtu.be/r0A2FXwyAsw to learn what happened when I left my comfort zone.

Gambling can lead to addiction because it stimulates the brain's reward system. The thrill of winning can create a rush of dopamine in the brain, which can turn into a cycle of chasing bets that lead to losses to recreate that feeling. This can result in financial problems, relationship issues, and other negative consequences, including thoughts of ending one’s life.

This is the story of my guest.  

An innocent game of poker that led to a cycle of unhealthy choices and feelings of defeat that he thought would never end.

In today's episode, I talk with Patrick Casale, a group practice owner, private practice coach, podcast host, and retreat planner, as he shares his struggle with gambling addiction and how he was able to turn the tables to success.

It's important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction. Resources available, such as therapy, support groups, and treatment programs, can help individuals overcome their addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

The National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.

GamblersAnonymous

Topics Discussed:

You can find Patrick Casale:

About Patrick Casale:

Patrick Casale has been working in the helping profession since 2008. Starting his career in community mental health to becoming an entrepreneur.  Patrick successfully launched his private practice, followed by a thriving group practice a couple of years later. With his personal experience and expertise, Patrick is passionate about empowering therapists to create successful lives and careers.

—-----------

Discover the invisible barrier that holds you back

In order to have more, we have to get comfortable being our authentic selves by facing our fears. Find out what your obstacles are so you can prevent them from standing in the way. Click here

Ready to Redefine Your Happiness? View it here: https://youtu.be/r0A2FXwyAsw

Own Your Journey!

In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle with overthinking and worry which leaves us feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Hi! I'm Maria Grace Wolk. I’m a Filipina American entrepreneur, Psychotherapist, wife, and mom of two boys; My mission is to amplify diverse perspectives, break the mental health stigma, and inspire you to own your journey to a mind, body, and energy wellness and fulfillment.

isredivsredivo 

Dr. Jenny Hughes is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. As a clinician, she practices EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure therapy. Jenny recently published a workbook designed for clients to use on their own or with their therapist called the PTSD Recovery Workbook.

Through her clinical work, Jenny has been able to also support fellow trauma therapists through the common experience of vicarious trauma. As the founder of BRAVE Providers, LLC, Jenny supports trauma therapists go from feeling drained and demoralized to energized and empowered. Members of BRAVE work with Jenny to become more aware of how to identify and overcome vicarious trauma, allowing them to thrive in their professional and personal lives.

Topics Discussed:

You can find Jenny Hughes here:

Own Your Journey!

In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle with overthinking and worry which leaves us feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Hi! I'm Maria Grace Wolk. I’m a Filipina American entrepreneur, Psychotherapist, wife, and mom of two boys; My mission is to amplify diverse perspectives, break the mental health stigma, and inspire you to own your journey to wellness and fulfillment.

Is there anything keeping you from changing your life?

Watch my TEDx talk https://youtu.be/r0A2FXwyAsw

to learn what happened when I left my comfort zone 

William Hemphill II, is a counselor, pastor and speaker.

He is the author of the book, “Praying With Your Spouse: A Secret To Building Intimacy In Your Marriage”

In his practice he works with individuals who value their faith.

Couples who want to strengthen or rebuild their    relationships, and with adoptive families in building loving connections.

In this episode William shares how he believes that we are not taught how to be married, how to communicate, and how to handle conflicts and this is the reason why so many marriages end up in divorce.

Listen in on how you can help your marriage and your blended family when you learn to understand what he calls the Reactive Cycle.

Learn what a faith-based counselor is and how therapist can unknowingly hinder a client’s healing when they are not aware of their beliefs and story.

You can find William here:

https://www.faithandfamilyempowerment.com

[email protected]

The Faith and Family Matters Podcast

Own Your Journey!

In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle with overthinking and worry which leaves us feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Hi! I'm Maria Grace Wolk. I’m a Filipina American entrepreneur, Psychotherapist, wife, and mom of two boys; My mission is to amplify diverse perspectives, break the mental health stigma, and inspire you to own your journey to wellness and fulfillment.

Is there anything keeping you from changing your life?

Watch my TEDx talk https://youtu.be/r0A2FXwyAsw

to learn what happened when I left my comfort zone

It was an honor to be invited to share my story on the TED stage.  

In this episode, I share my journey and who inspired me to pursue this dream. 

Please reach out if you have any questions, I would love to hear what you think. 

My TED talk can be found:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0A2FXwyAsw

It would be greatly appreciated if you could please hit "like", comment, and share the youtube link with those who may benefit from my talk. 

The more "likes"  and "views" it receives,  the more that others would be able to find it. 

Thank you so much for your continued support!

~Maria Grace 

Own Your Journey!

In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle with overthinking and worry which leaves us feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Hi! I'm Maria Grace Wolk. I’m a Filipina American entrepreneur, Psychotherapist, wife, and mom of two boys; My mission is to amplify diverse perspectives, break the mental health stigma, and inspire you to own your journey to wellness and fulfillment.

Is there anything keeping you from changing your life?

Watch my TEDx talk https://youtu.be/r0A2FXwyAsw

to learn what happened when I left my comfort zone

Abby Chow is a Registered Clinical Counselor occupying Turtle Island, in what is colonially known as Canada. Coming from a fine arts and then business background,  she is also a Supervisor and Adjunct Professor. She runs a group practice dedicated to anti-oppressive practice, both within the team and in their work. Her current life and work both focus on one question - how do we intentionally prioritize justice-doing in our everyday lives?

Words from Abby:

“I’m a cis, (mostly) able-bodied, straight-sized, half-gen, racialized settler from Hong Kong. As a child of diaspora, systemically imposed scarcity and the resulting emotional impact categorized much of my life growing up. As the only member of the family who speaks English, I started taking care of the family at 8 years old, driving a misguided need to move closer to capitalist and colonialist values. It wasn't until my graduate program that I was radicalized and had to undergo (and still am undergoing) unlearning the indoctrination of our violent society to move towards collective liberation. The journey has been and will be full of mistakes and discomfort, but also full of people who have held me up and stuck by me through them. I am now using these experiences in my work and projects to hold others in a loving accountability as we all move towards a world we actually want to live in.”

The Reflecting on Justice Membership. Towards collective liberation through unlearning, together. When you join this membership, you get:

~Access to our Justice in Action online community of practitioners who are all looking to unlearn systemic oppression;

~Monthly editions of our specially curated Liberation Digest, a content drop that helps to spark new perspectives in unlearning; ~Unpacking Complicity reflection prompts based on the Liberation Digest of the month;

~And dedicated time to hangout/deep dive on monthly content as a community through facilitated Fireside Chats.

If you’re ready to have justice take up more space in your life, if you’re looking for a community to unlearn with, and if you’re ready to take action in moving towards collective liberation; this membership was made for you.  www.reflectingonjustice.com

Connect with Abby Chow:

www.reflectingonjustice.com

@venturouscounselling - instagram

@reflectingonjustice - instagram; tiktok

Abby’s Recommended Solidarity Talks:

Vikki Reynolds

Travis Heath

Mia Mingus

ALOK

Own Your Journey!

In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle with overthinking and worry which leaves us feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Hi! I'm Maria Grace Wolk. I’m a Filipina American entrepreneur, Psychotherapist, wife, and mom of two boys; My mission is to amplify diverse perspectives, break the mental health stigma, and inspire you to own your journey to wellness and fulfillment.

Is there anything keeping you from changing your life?

Watch my TEDx talk   https://youtu.be/r0A2FXwyAsw

to learn what happened when I left my comfort zone

In this episode, I share how I started my run-streak journey.  Why and what keeps me going. 

I share how running has changed my life. 

I hope you enjoy this episode! 

Please reach out if you have any questions or comments regarding this podcast, we would love to hear from you!!!

Enjoy!

Own Your Journey!

In our fast-paced world, many of us struggle with overthinking and worry which leaves us feeling overwhelmed or stuck. Hi! I'm Maria Grace Wolk. I’m a Filipina American entrepreneur, Psychotherapist, wife, and mom of two boys; My mission is to amplify diverse perspectives, break the mental health stigma, and inspire you to own your journey to wellness and fulfillment.

Is there anything keeping you from changing your life?

Watch my TEDx talk   https://youtu.be/r0A2FXwyAsw

to learn what happened when I left my comfort zone

Take the What's Your Biggest Self Sabotage Quiz: https://bit.ly/whatsyourselfsabotagequiz