In this episode, we get a glimpse into the heart and mind of Dr. Mahsa Hojat Koshniak, a clinical social worker renowned for her expertise in cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Mahsa opens up about her rich personal and professional experiences, shedding light on the critical facets of trauma, mental health, and the transformative power of understanding and support.

Key Themes Explored in this episode:

• Cross-Cultural Experiences: Dr. Mahsa’s journey from Iran to the US, facing and overcoming challenges such as adapting to new cultures, navigating language barriers, and the nuances of privilege in different environments, including detention facilities.
• The Power of Environment: The significance of fostering supportive home environments is a central theme. Dr. Mahsa discusses effective communication strategies, understanding children’s behaviors, and finding a harmonious balance in parenting styles to nurture well-being.
• Understanding Trauma: Our guest offers insights into managing relational conflicts, differentiating types of traumas, and the critical role of emotional expression. The importance of consistency in child-rearing and the impact of trauma on personal development are also highlighted.
• Emotional and Psychological Strategies: Dr. Mahsa emphasizes the importance of identifying personal values, prioritizing tasks, and addressing emotional needs with honesty. These strategies are crucial for both personal growth and in navigating the complexities of relationships.
• Heal and Thrive Psychotherapy Services: An overview of Dr. Mahsa's comprehensive treatment program designed for emotional healing, self-improvement, and empowerment. The discussion illuminates the program’s approach to therapy, emphasizing collaboration, strategic planning among parents, and the journey towards healing.
• A Life of Gratitude: Throughout the episode, Dr. Mahsa reflects on the gratitude she feels for the experiences that have shaped her therapeutic approach. This sense of thankfulness is woven into her practice and their philosophy on life and healing.

Dr. Mahsa uses a psychodynamic approach to treatment, where the goal of treatment is to identify, grieve, and heal the root causes of the symptoms. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, attachment, and other modalities to provide her clients with tools to manage their symptoms as together they embark on the journey of self-discovery, healing, and thriving. She considers herself a guide, collaborator, and source of support for her clients. She provides her clients with insights related to their adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, thoughts, and ways of interacting with others. She helps her clients understand and appreciate the need for these behaviors at the time they were developed and how to improve upon them. In her sessions, she helps the clients to explore, understand and come to terms with their experiences, feel what was unfelt, resolve what is unresolved and grow and prosper with the renewed freedom they reach as a result. She is a psychotherapist and her husband, Roozbeh, is the coach.

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not playing catch with her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes. To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

Welcome to an empowering episode where we dive deep into reshaping the fitness industry’s landscape with the inspiring founder of WeShape, Katie Bramlett and your host Lindsay Miller. This conversation is not just about fitness; it’s a call to action against toxic norms and a journey towards holistic wellness, body acceptance, and self-reflection.

Main Themes:

• Challenging Toxic Norms: Discover how WeShape is taking a stand against the detrimental impacts of traditional fitness culture, advocating for a shift towards acceptance and holistic well-being.
• The Power of Self-Reflection: Katie and Lindsay share insights into the transformative potential of changing our internal narratives and how this shift can lead to a more fulfilling life, both physically and emotionally.
• Positive Role Modeling: Learn about the importance of serving as positive role models for children, instilling values of body positivity and healthy self-perception from an early age.
• Combating Social Media and Societal Pressures: Explore strategies to counteract the negative influences of social media and societal expectations, emphasizing a community-centered approach that prioritizes intentions and beliefs over appearance.
• Personal Journeys: Both Lindsay & Katie open up about their personal battles with weight loss culture and health issues, highlighting the journey towards mindfulness, self-trust, and listening to one’s body.
• Empowering the Next Generation: A critical discussion on how parents and guardians can better support their children by addressing their own challenges and fostering environments that promote positive body image and mental health awareness.
• Redefining Fitness: WeShape’s mission to redefine exercise beyond conventional metrics—focusing on nonjudgmental support, respecting individual progress, and advocating for health beyond the physical aspects.

This episode is not just for fitness enthusiasts but for anyone looking to embrace a more accepting and fulfilling approach to health and wellness. Join Katie and Lindsay as they guide us through their vision of a world where everyone can find joy in movement, trust in their bodies, and ultimately, peace within themselves.

Special Takeaways:

• The importance of community in overcoming societal and self-imposed barriers to wellness.
• Practical tips for fostering environments that encourage authentic interactions and self-acceptance.
• How to incorporate mindfulness and intentionality into your fitness journey for a more fulfilling experience.

Whether you’re navigating your own fitness journey, looking for ways to support your loved ones, or simply interested in the broader implications of societal norms on health and happiness, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice.

Tune in to be part of a movement towards a more inclusive, compassionate, and holistic approach to fitness and well-being.

To learn more about Katie Bramlett & weshape visit here.

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not playing catch with her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes. To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.

In this thought-provoking episode, Lindsay sits down with Florence Ann Romano, author of “Build Your Village,” to delve into the urgent need for supportive communities amidst concerning teen well-being statistics and the toll of social media on mental health.

Main Themes:

1. Troubling Trends in Well-being and Social Media: Florence Ann shares her insights on the current state of teen mental health and the adverse effects of social media usage, setting the stage for a broader conversation on the necessity of human connection.
2. The “Friendship Recession”: Romano introduces the concept of a “friendship recession,” a worldwide decrease in meaningful connections affecting people of all ages, and the imperative to counteract this trend.
3. Six Archetypes of Supportive Community Members: A key highlight of the discussion is the introduction of six essential archetypes that Romano believes are foundational in building and nurturing one’s community.
4. Intentional Engagement and Self-Discovery: The conversation pivots to the importance of actively seeking out connections, understanding oneself, and fostering personal growth to become better, more supportive companions.
5. Navigating Relationship Complexities: Romano emphasizes the significance of acceptance, intention, and mindfulness in strengthening community ties, as well as the complex nature of relationships.
6. Combating Loneliness and Leveraging Diversity: The challenges of loneliness are addressed alongside the positive influence that diverse perspectives can have on an individual’s well-being.
7. Embracing Individuality and Practical Strategies: The episode encourages listeners to appreciate their unique contributions to their communities, recognize their personal value, and apply practical strategies when facing life’s transitions.
8. Conscious Steps Towards Connection: Practical advice is given on how to take proactive measures, remain open-minded, and experiment with different methods to build and maintain relationships.
9. The Role of Compassion and Empathy: Sharing personal stories, Romano promotes compassion and empathy as fundamental to creating strong bonds and advises on how to engage in compassionate behavior for self-improvement and community benefit.

Florence Ann not only sheds light on the importance of community in an increasingly disconnected world but also provides listeners with actionable steps to foster meaningful connections. This episode is a call to action for anyone looking to create a supportive village in their own lives.

Resources:

• “Build Your Village” by Florence Ann Romano
• Florence Ann Romano's website and Instagram - visit!

Remember to subscribe and share this episode if you’ve found it enlightening. Join us next time as we continue to explore topics that help families teach children resilience and foundational stress management tools.

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not playing catch with her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes. To sign up for Lindsay's "Calm & Collected" Newsletter click here.