エピソード

  • Consult a Counselor: Moody or Depressed?
    2024/10/24

    The Consult a Counselor Series is a subset of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where host and therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC answers parenting related questions so that you can be present and at ease with your child, and live life mindfully.


    TODAY’S QUESTION:

    How can I tell if my teen's moodiness is normal? Or if they’re depressed?


    Send us a text


    Send us a text


    CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
    https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


    SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
    https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


    WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
    https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


    STAY CONNECTED:
    Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
    Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
    All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


    GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
    https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
    Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


    DISCLAIMER:
    Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

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    9 分
  • Adult ADHD? Brain Fog? Or Mom Brain?
    2024/10/21

    In today’s episode, we dive deep into something every mom can relate to—the chaos of juggling multiple tasks at once.

    Our modern lives demand so much from us—managing households, kids, work, and everything in between—it's no wonder so many moms feel scattered and unfocused. But here’s the thing: just because you're overwhelmed doesn’t necessarily mean you have ADHD. While many women casually say, “I’m so ADHD,” as a therapist, I’m here to help you understand the difference between feeling scattered and actual ADHD.

    In this episode, we break down what ADHD really looks like in adults, especially for women, and why it’s harder to diagnose in women than in men.

    But it’s not just ADHD. For many moms over 40, brain fog and distraction can also be linked to hormonal changes from menopause or simply the natural aging process. Last week, we talked about how perimenopause can affect cognitive functions like memory and focus—make sure to check out Episode 216 for more on that!

    Most importantly, we cover practical tips to help busy moms feel less scatterbrained, whether it’s ADHD, brain fog, or just the good ol' “mom brain.” From brain dumps and prioritization to setting timers and learning to say no, these strategies are designed to help you regain control of your focus and feel less overwhelmed.

    So, if your brain feels like it’s got 50 tabs open, you’re not alone. Let’s unpack what’s really going on and how you can start finding more calm and clarity in your day-to-day life. And remember, you’re not a machine—some days you’ll nail it, and other days, just showing up is more than enough.

    Practical Tips for Feeling Less Scatterbrained:

    • Brain dump your thoughts
    • Prioritize like a pro
    • Set timers to stay on track
    • Use calendars for everything
    • Batch similar tasks together
    • Say no without guilt
    • Declutter your space for mental clarity
    • Take mindful breaks to ground yourself
    • Ask for help and give yourself grace

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • Episode 216: Wellness Strategies for Perimenopause with Naihomy Jerez
    • https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/216

    Remember, we’re all in this together, and you’re doing your best. Take a breath, give yourself grace, and know that peace is always within reach.

    Send us a text


    CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
    https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


    SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
    https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


    WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
    https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


    STAY CONNECTED:
    Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
    Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
    All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


    GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
    https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
    Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


    DISCLAIMER:
    Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

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    17 分
  • Ep217: Consult a Counselor
    2024/10/17

    The Consult a Counselor Series is a subset of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where host and therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC answers parenting related questions so that you can be present and at ease with your child, and live life mindfully.


    TODAY’S QUESTION:

    My kid has been diagnosed with ADHD. How can I support him at home?

    REFERENCED EPISODES:

    I think my kid may have ADHD, what do I do?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0w6dO5L4dE&list=PL3AqOEMHihXgxWFUtvUxJTCziFjITroXQ&index=8


    Living in Focus with ADHD

    https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/169


    Send us a text


    CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
    https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


    SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
    https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


    WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
    https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


    STAY CONNECTED:
    Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
    Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
    All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


    GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
    https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
    Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


    DISCLAIMER:
    Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

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    8 分
  • Wellness Strategies for Perimenopause
    2024/10/14

    In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa welcomes back Naihomy Jerez, a certified integrative nutrition and hormone health coach. Naihomy specializes in supporting women of color to heal their bodies and balance hormones through food and lifestyle choices. She previously joined us to discuss relationships with food, and now, for World Menopause Month, she returns to share her expertise on perimenopause and menopause.

    Naihomy sheds light on the hormonal shifts that occur during perimenopause, emphasizing that while every woman experiences this transition differently, recognizing early signs and taking proactive steps is crucial. She advocates a holistic approach to health that goes beyond food and exercise, stressing the importance of stress management and rest to support overall well-being during this time.

    Whether you’re a mom, a daughter, a friend, or have women in your life going through this stage, this episode offers valuable insights into the often-overlooked journey of perimenopause. Join us as Naihomy Jerez shares empowering knowledge and practical tips for prioritizing well-being during this transformative time.

    REFERENCED LINKS:

    https://www.instagram.com/naihomyjerez/
    https://www.naihomyjerez.com/
    https://www.naihomyjerez.com/shoppinglist
    https://tr.ee/de0ozJZUOX
    https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/98

    Send us a text


    CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
    https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


    SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
    https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


    WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
    https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


    STAY CONNECTED:
    Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
    Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
    All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


    GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
    https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
    Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


    DISCLAIMER:
    Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

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    42 分
  • Ep215: What to Do if You Suspect a Learning Disability
    2024/10/10

    The Consult a Counselor Series is a subset of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where host and therapist Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC answers parenting related questions so that you can be present and at ease with your child, and live life mindfully.


    TODAY’S QUESTION:

    What should I do if my child has a learning disability?


    Send us a text


    CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
    https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


    SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
    https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


    WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
    https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


    STAY CONNECTED:
    Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
    Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
    All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


    GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
    https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
    Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


    DISCLAIMER:
    Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

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    6 分
  • Real Talk on Mom Shaming
    2024/10/07

    In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman dives into the topic of mom shaming and the pressure that many parents face in today’s world. Drawing from her experience as a middle school counselor and as a mom, Vanessa highlights how behaviors we often see in children—like teasing and bullying—can carry into adulthood as mom shaming. Whether it’s a casual comment about your parenting choices or unsolicited advice, these judgmental moments can leave moms feeling criticized and overwhelmed.

    Vanessa provides practical strategies to help moms navigate these uncomfortable situations with grace and confidence. From setting boundaries to handling criticism with humor, she shares insightful tips to help protect your peace. The episode emphasizes the importance of trusting your instincts and creating a supportive environment for yourself and those around you.

    If you’re craving some real talk about the challenges of motherhood, this episode is for you.

    Vanessa also talks about Amiga Mom's Real Mom Talks, an empowering series of meetups she created in 2018 to help moms navigate the challenges of motherhood while reconnecting with themselves. These gatherings focus on mindful connections and practical tips for recharging. After going virtual during the pandemic, Amiga Mom's Real MomTalks are now returning in person, starting Saturday, October 12th in Ridgefield, New Jersey.

    Tune in to the full episode for more real talk on mom shaming and to learn how to stand tall in your parenting choices while staying true to yourself.


    REFERENCED LINKS:
    www.amigamoms.com

    Send us a text


    CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
    https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


    SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
    https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


    WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
    https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


    STAY CONNECTED:
    Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
    Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
    All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


    GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
    https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
    Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


    DISCLAIMER:
    Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

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    13 分
  • Working with Complex Kids with Michelle Choairy
    2024/09/30

    In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful podcast, host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman has a heartfelt conversation with Michelle Choairy, a dedicated mother and advocate for complex children. Michelle opens up about her personal experiences raising a child with a rare genetic disorder, sharing the challenges, emotional hurdles, and inspiring triumphs she has encountered along the way.

    Michelle's story highlights the power of mindfulness in fostering resilience, self-compassion, and gratitude amidst the demands of parenting. She provides practical insights on how to integrate mindfulness into daily life, manage stress and overwhelm, and prioritize self-care while advocating for a child's needs. Through her organization, Collective Wisdom for Complex Kids, Michelle offers a supportive community and valuable resources for mothers of children with disabilities, empowering them to find strength, clarity, and connection.

    You will be inspired by Michelle's resilience and dedication to both her child and her own well-being. This episode offers a powerful reminder that motherhood is a journey of continuous learning, growth, and self-discovery. By embracing mindfulness, mothers can cultivate inner peace, navigate challenges with grace, and find moments of joy and connection amidst the beautiful chaos of parenting.


    REFERENCED LINKS:

    https://wisdom4complexkids.com/
    https://www.facebook.com/wisdom4complexkids
    www.instagram.com/michelle.choairy
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellechoairy/


    Send us a text


    CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
    https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


    SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
    https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


    WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
    https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


    STAY CONNECTED:
    Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
    Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
    All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


    GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
    https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
    Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


    DISCLAIMER:
    Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

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    36 分