Our families should be where we find connection and happiness but also can often be the source of our trauma and stress. In this session, we explore how problems in our families of origin can lead to challenges in the families we create as adults. Find out if you are perpetuating negative family behaviors or if you are breaking free now as a grown-up! We will talk about the power of how our family shaped our emotional responses and how we manage conflict in our lives now. You will understand the role of family cohesiveness and family culture in our daily mental health. Learn skills related to how we can be better listeners and to give and accept feedback from our family.

As grown-ups, let’s remove the sense of powerlessness that our family can contribute to, and acknowledge that it may be because of the way we manage conflict. Does your family culture reflect your grown-up values? Don’t waste another minute or day or year waiting to match your family member’s expectations. Relationships are hard, and family relationships can be a real challenge. Come on, you got this! Stop compromising your values and create a family around you that reflects your values and encourages you to be YOU!

*Episode 9 Trigger Warnings: Neglect, Abuse

In this episode, we examine how what we really want is often out of reach, on the other side of when we deem ourselves good enough. We define what beauty really is and how the concept of attractiveness as relative to worth is a very destructive way of thinking. Find out if you believe the negative hype around you about your worth and what this might be costing you. Think about the power of validation and get a reminder that your value does not fluctuate based on what others think about you. Understand how body image can be very distorted and how this can affect your perspective every day if you don’t keep it in check.

It's time to understand that living a life focused on your lack of worthiness because of your looks or body can limit you. Stop perpetuating the negative messages from outside of you on yourself. Take back your inner voice and stop waiting until “someday when I am…” to live the life that you want. Don’t waste another minute or day or year waiting to be good enough. Come on, you got this! Let’s open our minds to embrace these emotions and heal. Your future self is rooting for you!

Dr. Brown holds a BA in Secondary Education/English, an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and MPhil in Social & Behavioral Science and a PhD in Human Services with a Specialty in Public Health. She is a licensed Professional Counselor in the State of NJ.

This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy. If you are someone you know is struggling with mental illness, please seek the help of professionals.

*Episode 8 Trigger Warnings: Body Dysmorphia, Eating Disorders

In this episode, we examine some of the buzzwords people are using (often incorrectly) about relationships. We define what boundaries really are, explore what a “toxic relationship” is and isn’t, and how codependency can be affecting how you behave in your relationships. Learn how to identify your limits, and notice when you need to set boundaries. Find out if you are allowing people to step over your limits, or if you have a limit-pusher or two in your life that needs to learn about boundaries, too. Understand how to make boundaries work for you and why everyone needs them in healthy relationships of all types.

It's time to understand that living a life focusing on your very real needs is NOT selfish, and to learn about how to be self-oriented in your approach. Stop being an over-explaining, people pleasing approval-seeker afraid of rejection. Come on, you got this! Let’s open our minds to the changes that we may need to feel better, love more, and enjoy this one life!

Dr. Brown holds a BA in Secondary Education/English, an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and MPhil in Social & Behavioral Science and a PhD in Human Services with a Specialty in Public Health. She is a licensed Professional Counselor in the State of NJ. This podcast is not a replacement for psychotherapy. If you are someone you know is struggling with mental illness, please seek the help of professionals.

*Episode 7 Trigger Warnings: Anxiety, Cheating