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In the debut episode of The Sonder Effect, hosts Alexa Montemayor (MA, MHC-LP) & Mariam Ayvazyan (MA, MBA, LMHC) introduce listeners to the heart and purpose behind their podcast. Mariam, a licensed psychotherapist, founder of Achel Therapy, executive coach, and adjunct professor at NYU, joins Alexa, a psychotherapist-in-training, professor’s assistant, and mental health researcher, to create a space for meaningful conversations about mental health, emotional well-being, and the profound connections that shape our lives.

Together, they explore the concept of sonder—the realization that every person we encounter carries a life as vivid and complex as our own. Through candid reflections and thoughtful insights, Mariam and Alexa lay the foundation for future episodes filled with stories, tools for growth, and conversations that bridge the gap between therapy and everyday life.

Listeners are invited to reflect on their own moments of sonder, exploring how these fleeting realizations can deepen our understanding of ourselves and others. Whether tuning in during a quiet moment or amidst the busyness of life, this episode sets the stage for a journey of connection, healing, and shared humanity.