Have you ever experienced a break up with a good friend? It can be incredibly difficult to cope and that’s exactly what we’re talking about in today’s episode. Tune in as Rachel and Jor-El talk about how this happens, what it feels like and maybe some ideas of how to move forward. What’s your experience been with breaking up with a friend? Share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc.  We’d love to hear from you about this episode and what other topics you’d like to see covered on the podcast!

Recently, pro tennis player Naomi Osaka decided to take some time off from the French Open, and upcoming Wimbeldon tournament, after stating she’d be avoiding doing press for mental health reasons. Her statements caused quite a stir and in our latest episode Jor-El and Rachel discuss the dynamics of the statements, and the fallout, and how it relates to how we all respond to setting limits for our mental health. Additional reading: Osaka’s Follow Up Statement (via her Instagram) Outrage over Naomi Osaka shows what we're still getting wrong about mental health (via USA Today)

When you’re exploring social justice issues how often are you exploring the realities of ableism? If you’re like most people, then likely not enough. Tune in to our latest episode as we explore what ableism really means and offer some perspective shifts to be a better supporter of those who live with disabilities, remove stigma and improve access. Additional reading: Supporting Someone with Chronic Pain via Viva Wellness blog (link) Disabling Ableism via Dignity and Respect (link) Spoon Theory Basics (link)

It’s been about a year since everyone posted those black squares on social media but where are we now? Social justice issues are still at the forefront of our lives. Black lives are still at risk. Asian people are experiencing violence and harassment at alarming rates. Queer and trans folks still disporpotionately face violence.  You want to learn more and do better, but where do you start? We’re here to help! In this latest episode we break down the theme of social justice and what it means in day-to-day life and mental health.  Tune in, join the conversation and share your thoughts. Related reading: The Burden of Being Woke & Why It’s OK to Rest (via the Viva Wellness blog) What is ‘Sealioning’? - A Type of Trolling (via Merriam-Webster)

Do you think that you handle conflict well in your relationship? Maybe have some areas in which you’d like to improve?  Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Also: do you know where the phrase “piggyback” come from?! Tune in as licensed therapist Rachel and Jor-El offer some helpful feedback on navigating conflict when you can’t necessarily create a lot of distance.  We hope this helps! You may also enjoy reading: How to Handle Arguments in a Relationship

As an increasing number of people get vaccinated against COVID-19 and time charges on, we are getting closer to the next chapter in navigating the coronavirus pandemic.  How do you manage conversations around boundaries and challenge yourself, and others, when appropriate? Therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo weigh in on these tricky times with some things to consider as you move forward. We hope it helps you practice greater self-awareness, identify ways to share, and better communicate with those around you. You can view the current CDC recommendations for fully vaccinated people at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html

Unfortunately, mental health has been in the news recently as many have tried to make sense of the high profile gun violence in Atlanta and Boulder.  Listen in as therapists Jor-El and Rachel explain why that conversation is problematic and how we should be exploring the relationship between mental illness and violence (among other things…).  Please join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. We’d love to hear from you about this episode and what other topics you’d like to see covered on the podcast!

For most of us we’ve spent a year (or more) living with the pandemic of COVID-19. As more people get vaccinated and things start to open up for more in-person services how do we get back to “normal”? Mental health counselors Rachel and Jor-El share some thoughts on how you might think about getting to a new normal in this new world and how to manage some of your thoughts and anxieties about it. Tune in to the latest episode and join the conversation with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc.  Enjoy!

What role does fear of failure play in your life? Unfortunately, failure is a part of life. By understanding what we’re really scared of when it comes to failure, we can learn how resilient we can be.  Tune into our latest episode to hear licensed therapists Rachel and Jor-El explore what failure means and some practical things to consider in facing down our fears and anxieties about not succeeding. Join Feel free to share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. We look forward to hearing from you!

Wanting to move forward on your goals and not feeling the motivation to do so is an uncomfortable feeling. There are many reasons why we might get stuck in these moments and we’re here to help!   Tune in to our latest episode as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo discuss being stuck and offer up some ideas on how to get un-stuck too.  What helps you find motivation when you can’t power through?  Feel free to share your thoughts with us on Instagram and Twitter at @vivawellnessnyc. We look forward to your thoughts.   Related reading:Get Those Goals   Your Goals Should Be Smart   How to Fight Self-Sabotage