Healing Through Advocacy

Breaking Cycles: The First-Gen Journey to Healing and Growth with Anissa Juarez, LCSW

This episode delves into the unique experiences of first-generation individuals as they navigate the path toward healing and personal growth. With guest speaker Anissa Juarez LCSW, who sheds light on the challenges and strengths inherent in breaking generational cycles. The conversation explores the complexities of navigating cultural expectations, educational barriers, and the emotional weight of being the "first." This episode offers perspectives on fostering resilience, building self-compassion, and creating new narratives for oneself and future generations. -- * Anissa Juarez is a proud Mexican American, first-generation therapist, and daughter of hard working immigrant parents. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she is passionate about supporting first-gen individuals navigating college, career, and healing. In this episode, Anissa shares her own first-gen journey, from navigating college to finding her career path and embracing healing. Through storytelling and meaningful conversations, she reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, setting boundaries, and redefining success on her own terms. Contact Information Instagram: @anissawellbeing -- For podcast updates: @healingspacewithdandrah on Instagram

Discovering Pleasure in Long-Term Partnerships with Rebecca Guidera, MA LPC

This episode explores pleasure in long-term partnerships, moving beyond approaches to intimacy. Rebecca, a MA, LPC, somatic, and queer coach and therapist provides insights into reconnecting with physical sensation through somatic awareness, challenging traditional notions of pleasure, and fostering authentic communication. The conversation addresses navigating and cultivating lasting connection through playfulness and vulnerability. This episode offers practical tools for deepening intimacy and reigniting desire in committed relationships. -- Rebecca (MA, LPC) is a Denver-based somatic and queer coach and therapist. Rebecca completed her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling specializing in Somatic Counseling: Body Psychotherapy at Naropa University in 2019. Additionally, she is trained in Somatic Sex Therapy Training for Counselors through The Embodied Relationships Center. Contact Information Instagram: @pleasurewithrebecca Resources mentioned: * Pleasure Activism by adrienne maree brown * Come Together by Emily Nagoski * Feel It All: A Therapist's Guide to Reimagining Your Relationship with Sex by Casey Tanner -- For podcast updates: @healingspacewithdandrah on Instagram

Where I Am Now: Navigating Hospital Social Work, and Reflections as a Social Worker

In the final episode of season one, host D'Andrah Almanzar, LMSW shared her experiences navigating her career as a hospital social worker. She discuss the challenges and rewards of working with diverse patient populations, including individuals living with HIV and members of the LGBTQ+ community. She speaks on the realities of working in healthcare, including the systemic barriers and the importance of advocacy for vulnerable populations. She also talks about and reflects on the complexities of navigating her own queer identity within the social work field especially in Latinx spaces and answered some questions in a Q&A. -- For podcast updates: @healingspacewithdandrah on Instagram

Therapy and the Muslim American Experience with Daniya Ahmed, AMFT

In this episode, we explore the intersection of therapy and the Muslim American experience, highlighting the distinct challenges faced by the community. It delves into topics such as the stigma surrounding mental health in many Muslim communities, the importance of culturally competent therapists, and the role of practicing from a social justice related lens when working with the Muslim population. Additionally, guest speaker Daniya Ahmed touches upon her own personal journey seeking therapy and how she practices it with her clients. Daniya Ahmed (she/her) is a Pakistani-American trauma therapist located in Los Angeles, CA. She completed her graduate education at the University of Southern California, and immediately after entered the private practice world. Both in her graduate studies and now in her therapy practice, Daniya openly and proudly advocates and aims to highlight the Muslim American experience and its intersection in mental health and social justice through projects, papers, presentations, and trauma treatment. Daniya also embodies an activism approach to therapy treatment which has a specialization in racial stress/trauma and experiences of oppression amongst minoritized identities. Contact Information Instagram: @therapywithdaniya -- For podcast updates: @healingspacewithdandrah on Instagram

Prioritizing Self-Care: Through Movement, Connection, and Breathwork with Shaina McGregor

In this episode, we learn how to incorporate Movement, Wellness and Breathwork into your daily routine to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being. Guest speaker, Shaina McGregor discusses and explores the benefits of different movement styles, wellness techniques, and breathing exercises, and how she incorporates these practices with her clients. -- Shaina McGregor is a proud multi-faceted creative, movement, and wellness professional. She is a certified life coach and a certified breathwork facilitator. Shaina is the founder of Inward Space, a wellness community focused on educating and empowering people to take care of their well-being. Her mission is to bring more awareness to the power and importance of connection, movement, and holistic wellness. Shaina is passionate about creating spaces for people to feel heard, seen, and valued. She is currently getting a Master of Social Work at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work.  Resources: https://iambiancaharris.com/ [https://iambiancaharris.com/] Contact Information: Instagram: @shaina.mcgregor and @inwardspace -- For podcast updates: @healingspacewithdandrah on Instagram