Integrative Psychological Wellness

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20 Jan 2020

An old interview I stumbled across on parenting and creating safe environments for children. Times have changed…

https://www.chaifm.com/podcast/2020-01-20-jody-eiser-therapy-and-coaching/

22 Apr 2025

Mental Wellness in 2025: A New Era Of Awareness, But Are we Thriving?

In 2025, conversations about mental health are more visible and normalized than ever before. From viral TikToks on self-care to celebrities opening up about therapy, the stigma surrounding mental wellness is slowly cracking. But beneath the hashtags and hotlines, a deeper question lingers: Are we truly well—or just surviving with better language to describe our stress?

Modern life is a paradox. We’re more connected, yet lonelier than ever. We’re more informed, yet overwhelmed. Technology promised convenience, but it also brought constant notifications, blurred work-life boundaries, and the pressure to always be on.

The result? Rising rates of anxiety, burnout, and disconnection.

According to recent data, global mental health disorders have continued to increase, especially among the Gen Z and Millennials. Social comparisons on curated feeds, climate anxiety, financial pressure, and political instability weigh heavily on the collective psyche.

The Wellness Industry: Help or Hype?

The booming wellness industry has responded with a flood of products—apps, supplements, meditations, digital detox challenges and let's not forget about the new generation of AI. While many are genuinely helpful, some offer a band-aid for deeper issues. True mental wellness requires more than lavender candles and inspirational quotes. It demands systemic change, trauma-informed care, and safe spaces for vulnerability.

Therapy and Telehealth: A Bright Spot

One of the most promising shifts has been the rise of accessible therapy through telehealth. Virtual counseling has broken geographical and logistical barriers, allowing more people to access professional support. Therapists are also integrating culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed approaches, recognizing that healing isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each client deserves focused attention and care!

Community Is Medicine

More people are rediscovering that mental health isn’t just an individual pursuit—it’s relational. We heal in safe, authentic connections. Whether through group therapy, community events, or honest conversations with loved ones, belonging is a powerful antidote to isolation and the normalization of feelings.

What Does Wellness Really Mean Today?

Mental wellness today is not about having a perfect morning routine or being unshakably positive. It’s about:

Resilience, not toxic positivity

Rest, not hustle

Boundaries, not avoidance

Self-compassion, not perfection

Seeking help, not shame

In this new era, being mentally well means recognizing our needs, unlearning harmful patterns, and giving ourselves permission to slow down and not to be ok at times but to never get give up.

Where Do We Go From Here?

As we move forward, the call is clear: let’s prioritize real conversations, push for accessible mental health care, and stop glorifying burnout. It’s okay not to be okay—but we deserve support that helps us move toward being truly well.

Let’s not settle for survival. Let’s fight for flourishing—together.


Key Takeaways:

1. Awareness is up—but true wellness still lags.
Mental health is more openly discussed, but many are still just surviving rather than thriving.

2. Modern life fuels disconnection.
Constant connectivity, social comparison, and burnout are leaving people anxious and isolated.

3. The wellness industry offers quick fixes—not deep healing.
Real wellness goes beyond products; it requires trauma-informed care and systemic change.

4. Telehealth is transforming access to therapy.
Virtual counseling is breaking barriers and fostering more inclusive, personalized care.

5. Community and connection are essential to healing.
Belonging and authentic relationships are powerful antidotes to mental health struggles.

30 Jul 2024

The Masks We Wear

Mental health is not only a hot topic but also an imperative aspect of our well-being. From a young age, we are taught to be brave and strong, often leading us to conceal our true emotions behind a facade—a mask. This metaphorical mask allows us to present a composed exterior to the world, even when we may be struggling internally. While this coping mechanism can help us navigate challenging situations, it can also hinder our ability to seek the help we need.

The societal expectation to maintain an appearance of strength can discourage individuals from expressing vulnerability or acknowledging their mental health struggles. This reluctance often stems from a fear of judgment or rejection, perpetuating a cycle of silence and isolation. As a result, many people continue to suffer in silence, their true feelings obscured by the mask they wear.

In the past week, I have encountered three tragic cases of suicidal ideation, affecting individuals of different ages and races. These heartbreaking incidents underscore a pervasive issue: while we often continue with our daily routines, few people take the time to genuinely ask others how they are "really" doing. The façade of normalcy often masks underlying struggles, making it crucial for each of us to play an active role in supporting one another's mental well-being.

Breaking this cycle requires a cultural shift towards greater acceptance and understanding of mental health issues. By normalizing open conversations about mental health and encouraging genuine emotional expression, we can begin to dismantle the stigma that surrounds these topics. It is essential to recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that everyone deserves support in their mental health journey.

Ultimately, the masks we wear serve as both a shield and a barrier. While they may protect us in certain situations, they can also prevent us from fully engaging with our emotions and seeking the help we need. By fostering a culture of openness and support, we can encourage individuals to remove their masks and embrace their authentic selves, leading to a healthier and more compassionate society.

Simon Sinek eloquently emphasizes the power of reaching out with a simple yet profound gesture: asking a friend if they have eight minutes to talk. This approach is powerful because it offers a specific, manageable time frame that can facilitate meaningful connection without overwhelming either party.

Integrating this practice into our daily lives, both professionally and personally, can have a transformative impact. It creates a safe space for authentic conversations, allowing individuals to express their true feelings without fear of judgment. Such exchanges can provide much-needed relief and validation, reminding people that they are not alone in their struggles.

The act of genuinely checking in with others should not be underestimated. It is a small, intentional gesture that can make a significant difference, potentially saving lives. By committing to this practice within our circles, we contribute to a culture of care and compassion, where mental health is prioritized, and individuals feel supported.

In conclusion, the recent tragedies remind us of the critical importance of mental health awareness and the need for genuine human connection. Let us all make a conscious effort to reach out, ask how others are "really" doing, and be that trusted confidant for someone else. Together, we can foster a more understanding and supportive community. Be part of the change!

#ifyouneedhelpreachout #mentalhealth


4 Feb 2025

Retrenchment and your mental state 

In a world that champions resilience and agility, the experience of retrenchment often feels like a harsh contradiction. It challenges your professional identity and can make carefully laid plans seem to evaporate. For many, it’s not just about losing a job; it’s about losing a piece of themselves.

Retrenchment stirs complex emotions: shock, anger, grief, and self-doubt. It’s a natural response to an unnatural event. After all, we pour so much of ourselves into our work—our skills, our time, our dreams. To be told our contribution is no longer needed can feel untethering.

But you are not alone. In today’s economic climate, retrenchment is a shared experience, and each story is a testament to human resilience. Many eventually realize that this chapter, however painful, does not define their worth. One former colleague called it a “rebirth”—a chance to reflect, recalibrate, and redirect their career. Another pursued a long-sidelined passion.

If you’re navigating this transition, consider these steps:

Allow Yourself to Feel: Grief isn’t linear. Feel angry, sad, or confused. Processing emotions through journaling, talking to friends, or seeking professional counseling helps.
Reframe the Narrative: Losing a job reflects economic shifts, not personal failure. It’s a circumstance, not a judgment of your value.
Reconnect with Your Purpose: Take stock of your skills, passions, and the impact you want to make. Use this time to realign with what fulfills you.
Lean on Your Community: Reach out for job leads, encouragement, and solidarity. Share your story so others can support you.
Invest in Yourself: Upskill, attend industry events, or take a course that excites you. These steps can open unexpected doors.
Celebrate Small Wins: Each application sent, conversation had, and moment of self-care is progress.

To those retrenched: you are more than your job title! You are your experiences, resilience, and unique perspective. This chapter will end, making way for something new.

To those who know someone retrenched, offer grace and understanding. Simply saying, “I see you, and I’m here for you,” can be profoundly impactful.

Let’s normalize discussing the mental and emotional toll of retrenchment. Through these conversations, we build a culture of empathy and support, ensuring no one navigates this journey alone.

Key Takeaways:

1. Retrenchment is deeply personal, not just professional.
It can impact identity, confidence, and emotional wellbeing—but it does not define your worth.

2. Emotions are valid and necessary.
Feelings of grief, anger, or confusion are normal. Processing them is part of healing.

3. This can be a turning point, not an end.
Many find renewed purpose, pursue passions, or discover new paths after retrenchment.

4. Connection is key.
Lean on your community for support, and remember you’re not alone in this experience.

5. Invest in growth.
Use the time to upskill, reflect, and celebrate small steps forward—it all matters.

14 Apr 2025

Understanding the Real Struggles of Teenagers Today

Growing up in today's world is tough. Teenagers are dealing with a lot, from managing their mental health to keeping up with school, navigating social media, and figuring out who they are. It’s a time of big changes and intense pressures, and it's easy for their struggles to be overlooked

I am doing a research project about understanding what teenagers are really going through. By looking closely at the challenges they face, like anxiety, feeling pressured by friends, and the impact of technology, the goal is to offer real support


Why This Matters

The teenage years are a crucial time, shaping the adults they'll become.But with constant comparisons on social media, worries about the environment, and struggles with identity, today's teens face more stress than ever before.This research wants to find out where teens need the most help and come up with ways to help them cope and build resilience.


How to Get Involved

Teenagers have the chance to share their experiences and get a better understanding of their own challenges. By participating in a research assessment, you receive a personalised report that highlights their responses and offers valuable insights


Click on the link below to access your free assessment.

The assessment and personalised report is 100% free for the first 100 participants. There's also an option to discuss the results in a one-hour online personal session. (Which will be $197 USD including a Youth Emotional Intelligence Assessment). https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1YbOkUsCI8FfMxun18fPBZNPZ7Q03aTrKhN-91CaMNmYDLg/viewform?usp=header


In Conclusion

It's vital to listen to what teenagers have to say and truly understand what they're experiencing. This research aims to shine a light on these challenges and find solutions that empower young people to face the world with confidence and support This is an opportunity to be part of something meaningful and contribute to a more supportive future for the next generation.

Key Takeaways:

1. Teens face unprecedented pressures.
From mental health challenges to social media stress, teens today are navigating complex, high-pressure environments.

2. This research gives teens a voice.
The project explores real struggles like anxiety, identity issues, peer pressure, and digital overwhelm—directly from the teens themselves.

3. Insight leads to action.
Personalized assessments help teens understand their emotional needs and offer practical strategies for resilience.

4. Early support shapes stronger futures.
Understanding and supporting teens now is key to helping them grow into healthy, confident adults.

#yesicanresillience #teenagers #mentalwellness #selfharming

#suicideawarewness

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