The Mental Health Coach | Coping Skills, Boundaries, Grief, Trauma, Marriage Counseling

53: Celebrate, Reflect, and Pivot: Closing Out 2024 and Setting Goals for 2025

As we close out 2024 and look ahead to 2025, this final episode of the year is all about celebrating progress, reflecting on what matters most, and embracing the power of pivots. Join me as I share: * Why celebrating small wins can boost your motivation and mental wellness. * The importance of taking time to reflect and set intentional goals for the year ahead. * How to make decisions that align with your values by saying yes to the right things and no to the rest. * The power of pivoting when life calls for change. I’ll also share an exciting announcement about a new joint project for therapists, where you can stay connected with me moving forward, and a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who has supported this podcast. If you’ve enjoyed this journey, I’d love it if you shared a review—it helps keep the door open for a potential return! Stay Connected: www.jenalley.com [http://www.jenalley.com] https://www.instagram.com/jen.alley.therapist/ [https://www.instagram.com/jen.alley.therapist/] Thank you for being part of this community—here’s to a meaningful 2025!

52: ADHD Uncovered: Myths, Challenges, and Strengths with Guest Dr. Jessica McCarthy

In this episode, we’re joined by the insightful and refreshingly relatable Dr. McCarthy, a clinical neuropsychologist, psychologist, and school psychologist with a knack for putting people at ease. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life and navigating anxiety from an early age, Dr. McCarthy brings both personal and professional wisdom to the table. We dive into her no-nonsense yet compassionate approach to ADHD, the tools that actually help, and why knowledge paired with validation can be life-changing. If you or someone you love has ADHD, this conversation is for you!   Resources:  https://elementspsych.com/about/jessica-mccarthy-psy-d/ [https://elementspsych.com/about/jessica-mccarthy-psy-d/] https://www.instagram.com/dr.jessica.mccarthy/ [https://www.instagram.com/dr.jessica.mccarthy/]   Want to work with me? You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.com [http://www.jenalley.com/] * Freebies [https://jenalleytherapist.myflodesk.com/freebies] * Visit me at www.jenalley.com [http://www.jenalley.com/] * Follow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapist [https://www.instagram.com/jen.alley.therapist/] * Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mental-health-coach-coping-skills-boundaries/id1717541971]

51: Thinking About Getting Your Kid a Phone? Tips For Protecting Kids in The Digital Age With Guest Erin Williamson.

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Erin Williamson, the Chief Programs & Strategy Officer at Love146, an organization dedicated to ending child trafficking and exploitation. With over 20 years of experience working with victims of crime, Erin has become a leading voice in the fight against child exploitation. At Love146, she has developed and implemented prevention education and survivor care programs that have supported over 900 youth.   Together, we discuss the critical role modern parents play in safeguarding their children in today’s tech-driven world. Erin shares practical strategies for managing technology use, recognizing warning signs of exploitation, and fostering open communication with kids to build trust and resilience. Whether you’re considering giving your child their first phone or looking for ways to empower your family, this episode offers invaluable insights and tools to help you navigate parenting in the digital age.   Tune in to learn how to protect your children and equip them to thrive safely and confidently in an ever-evolving world.   Resources:  https://love146.org/ [https://love146.org/] Practical Tips For Keeping Your Kids Safe: https://love146.org/caregivers/ [https://love146.org/caregivers/]   Want to work with me? You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.com [http://www.jenalley.com/] * Freebies [https://jenalleytherapist.myflodesk.com/freebies] * Visit me at www.jenalley.com [http://www.jenalley.com/] * Follow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapist [https://www.instagram.com/jen.alley.therapist/] * Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mental-health-coach-coping-skills-boundaries/id1717541971]

50: Traumatic Brain Injury Survivor: Nick Prefontaine Shares Story of Resilience and the Power of One Step at a Time

At just 14 years old, Nick Prefontaine faced what most of us can't even imagine—a life-threatening snowboarding accident that left him in a coma, with doctors telling his parents he’d never walk, talk, or eat on his own again. But Nick wasn’t about to let that be his story. Not only did he defy the odds, he set a goal to run out of the hospital—and he did. Named a 'Top Motivational Speaker' by Yahoo Finance in 2022, Nick now dedicates his life to inspiring and empowering others, particularly those navigating the challenges of brain injuries. Today, he's sharing his incredible journey of resilience, recovery, and purpose.   Resources:  https://nickprefontaine.com/step/ [https://nickprefontaine.com/step/]   Want to work with me? You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.com [http://www.jenalley.com/] * Freebies [https://jenalleytherapist.myflodesk.com/freebies] * Visit me at www.jenalley.com [http://www.jenalley.com/] * Follow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapist [https://www.instagram.com/jen.alley.therapist/] * Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mental-health-coach-coping-skills-boundaries/id1717541971]

49: Eight Practical Tips For Maintaining Your Mental Health This Holiday Season

The holidays are here—and while they can be magical, they can also take a real toll on our mental health. Between the Hallmark-worthy fantasies and the messy realities of family drama, unmet expectations, and endless obligations, it’s no wonder so many of us feel anxious, overwhelmed, or even downright depleted during the “most wonderful time of the year.” For some, the season brings an even deeper layer of challenge—grief, loneliness, or navigating the first holiday without a loved one. If that resonates with you, know that you’re not alone, and we’ll explore those topics in an upcoming episode. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the everyday mental health stressors of the holidays. We’ll unpack practical strategies to protect your peace, set boundaries, and focus on what truly matters.    Resources:  The Art of Gathering [https://www.amazon.com/The-Art-of-Gathering-Priya-Parker-audiobook/dp/B07B4HV9K7/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KOZgG4amY1T_96qqiy_Yi4jeFcLd-IHYyCq76LhLsx2G3-9AKmIdPWaqrFmxVKLxuF4A9wruF-qPYzH97_UzKrKgKMxpyuy3D_au33-IpJj1RjCoEIJ_OJRJHAHEYxmnj3NkdLoKKOWRFGndLf5FQQ.7tXMvryKjxDrBiOrI-a0fCtvnnrLZZw4iD4B-ZlJr-k&dib_tag=se&hvadid=713512866477&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9191417&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1328384646483242463&hvtargid=kwd-612962485852&hydadcr=22596_13730689&keywords=the+art+of+gathering+-+priya+parker&qid=1732720639&sr=8-1] by Priya Parker Boundaries: The Mental Health Coach Episodes 40 and 41  Gratitude: The Mental Health Coach Episode 33   Want to work with me? You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.com [http://www.jenalley.com/] * Become a Mental Health Coach Insider! [https://jenalleytherapist.myflodesk.com/insider] * Freebies [https://jenalleytherapist.myflodesk.com/freebies] * Visit me at www.jenalley.com [http://www.jenalley.com/] * Follow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapist [https://www.instagram.com/jen.alley.therapist/] * Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts! [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mental-health-coach-coping-skills-boundaries/id1717541971]   Crisis hotlines: Text HOME to 741741 (for any crisis) 24/7 hotline Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org (suicide and crisis lifeline) 24/7