Episode 10: Alicia Brandt, LMFT will be discussing why sex is such an important part of a relationship, how to talk about it and ways that she helps couples communicate their needs better.

More than any other age group, seniors could perhaps benefit the most from regularly participating in a favorite hobby. As it turns out, research has shown a correlation between hobbies, life’s purpose, and a longer lifespan - particularly in individuals over the age of 65 years.

Episode 9: On the ninth episode of Guiding Compass, I interview Dr. Tekesia Jackson Rudd about how the lack of life skills and direction in life is impacting Millennials and leading to higher rates of anxiety, depression and the "snowball generation."

Episode 8: In the seventh episode, I interview Dr. Carole Goguen about her work with client's with PTSD and complex trauma.

The holiday season is upon us! With all of the festivities, family time and traveling it's easy to get caught up in the moment and lose sight of all the emotional toll that this time of year can carry for many of us.It's important to acknowledge that despite all the holiday parties, joy and quality time that we get to spend with the people who we love, this time of year can also bring up feelings of loss, loneliness, depression and painful memories of people no longer in our lives.

Episode 7: Dr. Lisa Cohen about Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT) and how she uses play to help build and strengthen the relationship between caregiver and child.

Episode 6: Courtland McPherson, LCSW about his research and work with men, embracing vulnerability and helping challenge cultural perceptions of "male stereotype." 

Mindfulness is more than a 1-hour meditation class or a 10-minute guided recording on an app. It's a way of life, a moral compass and a change in perspective that can improve all aspects of your life including relationships, self-awareness, attunement to the environment and the ability to understand and regulate your internal experience. 

Episode 5: Jasmine Malekan, licensed Marriage and Family Therapist talks about the importance of "leaning into your pain" and sharing your truth as it apply's to recovery. 

Episode 4: I interview Brennan Fitzgerald, LPCC about the importance of work/life balance, meditation and mental health in the tech industry. 

As technology has changed how we meet, communicate and date- long distance relationships have become a norm in our culture. Yet, there really hasn't been much discussion about how to navigate these types of relationships and the struggles that come up for couples who are trying to "go the distance." 

Projection is a powerful thing. Probably one of the most powerful psychological and emotional qualities that sets humans apart from other animals. We project our thoughts onto paper and create stories, songs, and poetry. We project our ideas and create incredible inventions and we project our hearts deepest wishes, desires, pain onto others and relationships, all without even consciously realizing it. 

Yes, living with anxiety is not easy. Almost, all of us have experienced or gone through a period in our lives when we felt anxious, stressed or feel like life has become unmanageable. It is normal to feel anxious during certain times in your life: before an exam, first date, difficult conversation or when in high-pressure situations such as graduate school. 

Episode 3:  I meet with Jude Weber, a life coach, and eating disorder specialist. We will be discussing the meaning of spirituality in our lives and how living authentically can truly transform your life. 

Our greatest growth often comes from the most difficult times in our life. Getting hurt is inevitable in life, especially when it comes to relationships. It's hard to always know how to cope and process everything when you are in the trenches of pain and darkness.

Vulnerability means showing up and allowing yourself to be seen, speaking your truth and putting yourself at risk for rejection. It's saying "I love you" and not knowing how the other person feels. It's hearing that you have cancer. It's walking into an interview for your dream job. It's becoming a parent for the first time. It's facing someone that you have hurt. It's admitting that you struggle with an addiction or that your relationship isn't working anymore.

Narcissist's lack a coherent sense of self so they use environmental stimuli to feel worthy and powerful. They may seek out travel, expensive clothing, powerful jobs or beautiful partners to project to the world that they are worthy. Using life experiences, things and interesting stories about their lives to feel worthy and lovable. 

Our attachment style is formed in earliest moments of our existence, but it holds power over the rest of our lives, especially when it comes to how we function in our closest intimate relationships.