On today’s episode we spend time with Susan Roggendorf, and we talk about self-worth, this idea of how we interpret our own value. Susan speaks to this idea as it relates to the lbgtq+ queer community, and the internal and external factors that contribute to self-worth, including the anxiety that comes with being a part of a marginalized community. We discuss how you can be an ally to the queer community, without compromising your own comfort zone. I absolutely learned so much from Susan, and I know you will too. So, whether you are apart of the queer community, or want to be a better ally to the queer community, this episode is for you! Susan Roggendorf is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Iowa. She's the LGBTQ+ owner of Coffelt Counseling Services in the Quad Cities. Susan works with folx living with anxiety in her LGBTQIA2s+ community. She's also currently in certification to expand her work with First Responders grappling with anxiety. Susan's passionate about being an advocate of education and support while helping her clients build tools to cope with their anxiety. You can find her on Instagram at @coffeltcounseling or at www.coffeltcounselingservices.com A transcript of today’s show is available at www.pineappletherapy.ca/podcast

On today’s episode the lovely Aisha Shabazz joins us to talk about the world of perfectionism - how it shows up for many of us, how society promotes it, and questions to reflect on in regards to its role in your life. So, if you identify as having perfectionist tendencies like me, this episode is for you. We also touch on the topic of de-colonizing mental health and asking the most important question “why” - why do we do what we do? Is it really as inclusive as we think? Can things be done differently? How is perfectionism tied to things like white supremacy and what can be done to address it? Such an important topic as we work together to become anti-racist. Before we get started with today’s episode, let me tell you a bit about Aisha. Aisha R. Shabazz is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, career strategist, and solo private practice creator. Aisha established a mental health private practice, In Real Time Wellness (@inrealtimewellness), that offers individual and group therapy to socially conscious and creative teens, young adults, and human beings who are seeking to relieve anxiety, release insecurity, and build confidence. Through her consulting firm (@aisharshabazz), she serves marginalized mental health therapists and helping professionals who are striving to offer high-quality care to their client and patient populations without sacrificing their own health and wellbeing in the process — addressing not only the impact of employee exploitation, toxic working environments, and burnout that occurs in the helping industry, but also offering practical guidance on how therapists and helping professionals can creatively use their unique technical skills to expand into entrepreneurship. Her business enterprise is value-based and founded on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), decolonization, anti-racism, and mindfulness. The episode transcript can be found at www.pineappletherapy.ca/podcast

Today’s episode features the wonderful Dulce Orozco, where she shares a bit about her journey of immigrating to the United States, and the anxiety that comes with such a big change. We also discuss how to navigate going to therapy if your family/friends aren’t supportive or don’t understand that decision. I see this come up a lot in my own practice and if you are experiencing family resistance, this episode is for you. Before we begin, here is some background information on Dulce. Dulce Orozco is a licensed mental health counselor in Massachusetts. She holds a master’s degree (MS) and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Mental Health Counseling from Suffolk University. She is committed to bringing compassion, warmth, and authenticity to her work. Dulce’s first language is Spanish, and she is also fluent in English and Portuguese. Dulce has extensive experience working with individuals who themselves and their families are not native to the United States. Because of her personal and professional experience, she is fascinated by the role that culture has on our mental health and how we perceive ourselves. She works using mindfulness, whole-body integration, self-compassion, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). She provides an environment offering the connection, trust, and safety that can help individuals achieve greater resiliency and empowerment. She currently has a private practice where she works remotely with adult women who feel like outsiders and have a tough time taking care of themselves. Dulce also does corporate engagements and urges corporations and organizations always to give mental health the importance it deserves. Lastly, she has been doing Immigration Mental Health Evaluations for the past four years. When she is not working, she is with her young daughters trying to savor their childhood as much as possible. Show transcripts available at pineappletherapy.ca/podcast

Carol Covelli guests on today’s show to share with us about mindfulness meditation. She tells us a bit about what it is, and dispels some of the common misconceptions that exists around the practice. Carol also leads us through a guided mindfulness practice so you can try it in real-time. Whether you are a seasoned meditator, or are just starting out, this episode is for you! Carol Covelli, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with an online practice serving clients all across New York and New Jersey, USA. She specializes in helping women in their 50s through their mid-life awakenings so they can find their truth and live a fuller life. Carol earned her Master of Social Work from Fordham University in New York and believes everyone deserves to be free from the emotional obstacles that prevent them from living a fulfilling life. The transcript of today’s show can be found at: pineappletherapy.ca/podcast

On this episode we explore whether or not we DNA control anxiety directly, what is/isn’t in our direction control, how control often ties in with perfectionism, and ways in which you can start to re-build a relationship with anxiety and drop the struggle. The transcript for this episode can be found at www.pineappletherapy.ca/podcast. You can also connect with me on Instagram at @pineappletherapyyeg

Anxious about the transition into post-pandemic life? Let’s talk about the conflicting feelings you might have, as well as how to navigate common scenarios like social events, and going back to work in person. Show transcript available here: https://www.pineappletherapy.ca/podcast

On the first episode of the Anxious Pineapple, I share some of my experience with anxiety growing up, and then we dive into learning more about anxiety - what it is & how the body responds when it’s activated. Show transcript available here: https://www.pineappletherapy.ca/podcast