VSC Podcast

Join host Hannah Jenarine, Education Coordinator at the VSC, as she engages in a captivating conversation with fitness trainer Matt and Rhonda, Lead Advocate at the VSC and client of Matt. Delve into the powerful connection between physical activity and mental well-being as Matt shares his journey into fitness training, Rhonda unveils her healing transformation, and the trio explores the mental health benefits of fitness.

In this episode, we will be talking about Disability Pride. Disability Pride is a vibrant and empowering movement that aims to challenge societal perceptions, dismantle barriers, and foster a culture of inclusivity and acceptance for individuals with disabilities. Through this episode, we will explore the multifaceted aspects of Disability Pride, the challenges faced by disabled individuals, and the importance of creating a more accessible and equitable world.

In this thought-provoking video, join us on a personal journey as we explore the complexities of disability identity and the often-overlooked experience of feeling "not disabled enough."

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In this episode, VSC's Violence Prevention Educator, Hannah Jenarine speaks with Juanita Carbajal on the crucial role of community partnerships in supporting mental health and well-being. They explore the profound impact that collaborative efforts between mental health service providers and community organizations have on individuals and communities at large. This podcast provides valuable insights and practical strategies for building resilient communities. Join us as we navigate the intersections between mental health, community engagement, and compassionate care, and discover how together we can create a supportive environment where mental wellness thrives.

Juanita C. is the Marketing & Community Relations Director with Positive Behavioral Solutions, currently a Masters in Public Health candidate with the University of Florida. She has over ten years experience working with the mental health population and is passionate about educating communities and reducing the stigma affiliated with Mental Health treatment and community care. She is your best point of contact for any partnerships, events, or referral concerns. She has a passion for utilizing trauma informed strategies to best support and empower BIPOC communities. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance and also leads "Hablemos Mas" Spanish speaking support group

Repressed trauma refers to traumatic experiences that an individual has experienced but has consciously or unconsciously suppressed or repressed the memory of it. This can happen as a coping mechanism, as the memory of the traumatic experience may be too overwhelming or painful for the individual to process. Repressed trauma can have a profound effect on a person's mental health and well-being, as the memories and emotions associated with the trauma may resurface later in life and impact the individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

In this episode, VSC's Violence Prevention Educator speaks with VSC advocate, Shaye Stall and Dr. Brenda Arroyo Crespo to explore the impact of traumatic experiences on the brain and the ways in which this can affect behavior, emotions, and overall well-being. The video is designed to be educational and informative and is aimed at helping people better understand the complex relationship between trauma and brain function.

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast, we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy headspace or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.

Violence against Black women is a complex issue that encompasses various forms of violence, including sexual violence, domestic violence, and its impact on mental health.

Sexual violence against Black women often goes unrecognized and underreported due to societal stigmas and victim-blaming attitudes. Black women are more likely to experience sexual violence from intimate partners or acquaintances than from strangers. These experiences can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and trauma, which can affect their mental health and overall well-being.

Black women are also disproportionately affected by domestic violence, with rates being more than double those of white women. Domestic violence can have long-lasting effects on their physical and mental health, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The impact of violence on the mental health of Black women can be exacerbated by the intersection of racism and sexism. The stigma surrounding mental health in the Black community can make it challenging for Black women to seek help or support. They may also face additional barriers due to their gender, race, and socioeconomic status.

In this video, VSC's Violence Prevention Educator, Hannah Jenarine, speaks with Lisa Alexander, Natalee Summers, and Leslie Pender to further the conversation!

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#ViolenceAgainstBlackWomen #BlackWomenMatter #DomesticViolence #SexualAssault #MentalHealthAwareness #BreakTheStigma #EndTheSilence #SpeakOut #SupportSurvivors #RacismAndSexism #Intersectionality

Florida's housing crisis has been a growing concern in recent years, affecting a wide range of communities throughout the state. Among those hit the hardest are victims of domestic and sexual violence, who often face unique challenges when seeking safe and stable housing. In this podcast, we will explore the root causes of Florida's housing crisis, including systemic poverty, discrimination, and limited affordable housing options. We will also examine the ways in which the housing crisis has a disproportionate impact on victims of domestic and sexual violence, who are often forced to remain in abusive situations due to lack of affordable housing options.

Joe spent the first two years of his legal career as an Equal Justice Works Fellow practicing Community Lawyering for immigrant families. He has since transitioned such efforts into housing discrimination enforcement and outreach, where he manages Florida Legal Services' Fair Housing Initiative Project via the HUD funded FHOI/EOI programs. He has a bachelor's degree from DePaul University, a M.A. from the University of Colorado in Public Policy, and a J.D. from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law.

Since graduating from the University of Florida in 2007, Erika Recek has spent most of her legal career working in public interest law, ensuring that individuals in vulnerable situations have a voice in the judicial process. She has worked at various legal aid organizations, helping survivors of domestic violence with legal issues involving injunctions, family law related matters, housing, and consumer law issues. Erika joined Florida Legal Services in 2018, where she has continued to assist survivors of domestic violence in her role as Director of Survivor Advocacy while also engaging in systemic impact advocacy for vulnerable populations. 

#FloridaHousingCrisis #DomesticViolence #SexualViolence #AffordableHousing

Previously on this podcast we presented a four-part mini-podcasting series focusing on issues affecting Black and African American Communities, and ways we can advocate for Black survivors of Trauma and Sexual Violence. The mini-series covered topics like mental health within Black communities, anti-racism and therapy, racial trauma and black survivors, and implicit bias. On this week's podcast, we will be taking a step back and discussing Mental Healthcare and the BIPOC Community. Join VSC Community Engagement Coordinator, Libba Van Eepoel, as they chat with Therapist Natasha Ganesh-D'Arcangelo and VSC Therapy Intern, May Figueroa, to chat about client and counselor representation, how lack of access can impact BIPOC individuals seeking mental healthcare, how stigmas can play a role in that, and advice on how to find a therapist.

Natasha Ganesh-D’Arcangelo (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida, Oregon and Washington, a Florida Qualified Supervisor, a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). She works with adolescents and adults in her role as a staff therapist for Headspace Health. She operates from a cultural humility perspective and is an ally of the LGTBQIA+ community. She is especially passionate about working with clients who are struggling with trauma and anxiety and does public speaking on the topic of burnout.

Mary Figueroa (she/her) is currently pursuing an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a certificate in Family and Relationship Therapy. She is a therapy intern at VSC, and serves local counseling associations in FL as a Student Liaison for the Mental Health Counselors of Central Florida (MHCCF), a Marketing Coordinator for the Central Florida Association for Family and Marriage Therapy (CFAMFT). She is trained as a Clinical Trauma Professional, has completed training in Mindfulness Stress Reduction Techniques, and most recently started EMDR training. She believes that every individual holds a capacity for resilience and that those personal strengths are already within, and strives to create a compassionate, non-judgmental space that honors diverse and intersecting identities, and allows for a collaborative alliance.

Books mentioned:

The Racial Healing Handbook by Anneliese A. Singh

Anti-Racist Psychotherapy by David Archer

White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better by Regina Jackson and Saira Rao

See more resources mentioned on our Facebook page, VSCFlorida!

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Want to make a difference? Visit victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956 7273. By contacting the National hotline at 1 800 656 4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.

It’s possible you’ve heard of ACE’s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and the impact they have on people in their adult lives. The CDC started conducting ACE studies in the mid-90s and today we know that nearly 60% of adults have experienced one type of ACE. On the newest episode of the VSC Podcast, we sit down with Center for Child Counseling's National Outreach Coordinator, Cherie Benjoseph, and Nida Paul, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Center for Child Counseling, to talk about what ACEs are, how trauma impacts the way we parent, and some things parents who are survivors can do to help teach regulation to children while also taking care of themselves.

Cherie Benjoseph, LCSW (she/her) is the National Outreach Coordinator for the Center for Child Counseling, of Palm Beach County, FL.  She is an expert on child sexual abuse primary prevention, with a focus on customizing training and curriculum for school, camp, and other youth serving organizations as well as reaching parents with practical tools to keep their children safe from child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Nida Paul (she/her) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor and Registered Play Therapist who has worked with children and families since 2010. Nida is passionate about working with children and families who experienced trauma and helping them heal from these adverse experiences. She provides individual, group, dyadic, and family therapy and focuses on providing trauma focused treatments to children and parents who suffer from post-traumatic stress and attachment issues. She also provides trainings for caregivers and providers in variety of topics including impact of Trauma and ACEs on children to help adults promote resiliency in children.

Interested in learning more? The Center for Child Counseling provides free online workshops, tips sheets, advice for ways to talk to children, resources for parents and children, as well as information on trauma-informed care and their KidSafe program.

You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Want to make a difference? Visit victimservicecenter.org to learn how you can get involved and help the VSC continue supporting survivors of trauma.

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Trigger Warning: In this podcast we will be discussing sensitive topics such as Sexual Assault. It's important to take care of yourself while listening. Some suggestions are listening while you're in a healthy head space or knowing who you can reach out to if you become upset. Our 24/7 helpline for crisis calls based out of Central Florida is 407 500 HEAL, for the Florida state sexual helpline call (888) 956-7273. By contacting the National hotline at 1-800-656-4673 you can get support and learn about your local resources. There is always someone ready to help.