Episode 12: "Hi! My Name is Disappointment"

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the "Back to Life Podcast," where we explore living well, loving well, and being well. In this final episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, LPCC, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. They examine how chronic disappointment can be a symptom of underlying anxiety and depression, referencing the new emotional complexities introduced in "Inside Out 2." Discover how to manage expectations, cope with disappointment, and build resilience inspired by the emotional depth of the movie.

Episode Highlights:

1. Dream A Little Nightmare: The Nature of Disappointment and Its Causes

• Understanding the sources of disappointment.
• Examples from "Inside Out 2" depicting unmet expectations and emotional responses.

The Subconscious Basement: Link to Anxiety and Depression

• Chronic disappointment as both a cause and result of anxiety and depression.
• Breaking the cycle by addressing emotions and triggers.

Memory Lanes: Coping Mechanisms and Resilience-Building Strategies

• Managing expectations and practicing self-compassion.
• Building a support network and engaging in positive self-talk.
• Reflecting on experiences to grow and develop resilience.

Reflection Moment: Think about a recent disappointment you experienced. What were your expectations, and how did reality differ? How did you cope with the disappointment? What can you learn from this experience to handle future disappointments better?

Guest Host: Angela Barela, LPCC, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie.
• Techniques for managing expectations and practicing self-compassion.
• Benefits of building a support network and engaging in positive self-talk.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Series: Stay tuned for our next series, where we will explore new and exciting topics related to mental health and well-being. Until then, remember to live well, love well, and be well.

Episode 4: "Hi! My Name is Control"

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the "Back to Life Podcast," where we explore living well, loving well, and being well. In this fourth episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. They examine the need for control as a response to anxiety and depression, referencing the new emotional complexities introduced in "Inside Out 2." Discover how the desire to control everything can impact mental health and relationships, and learn strategies to find balance and manage control healthily.

Episode Highlights:

1. A Mind at Freeze: Understanding the Need for Control

• Control as a response to managing uncertainty and reducing anxiety.
• Examples from "Inside Out 2" depicting the urge to control as a safety mechanism.
• How controlling behaviors can lead to feeling overwhelmed and strain relationships.

• The cycle of control and anxiety as shown in "Inside Out 2."
• How the inability to control outcomes can lead to feelings of failure and depression.
• Breaking the cycle by addressing both the need for control and underlying emotions.

• Practicing mindfulness to stay present and reduce the impulse to control future outcomes.
• Gradually letting go of control by starting with small steps and delegating tasks.
• Reframing control as an opportunity to build resilience and adaptability.
• Seeking therapy for personalized strategies and tools to manage anxiety and control.

Reflection Moment: Reflect on a situation where you felt the need to control everything. What emotions were driving that need? How can you start to let go and trust the process, even if it’s just a little bit?

Guest Host: Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out 2" movie.
• Techniques for practicing mindfulness and reframing control.
• Benefits of seeking therapy for managing anxiety and control.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode: Join us next time as we continue our series with a look at disappointment and its hidden impacts. Learn how to manage disappointment and turn it into a growth opportunity.

Episode 10: "Hi! My Name is Perfectionism"

Episode Summary: Welcome back to the "Back to Life Podcast," where we explore living well, loving well, and being well. In this third episode of our series on the emotional impact of our thoughts and behaviors, Nicole Green, a Licensed Professional Counselor, is joined by Angela Barela, owner of Blue Phoenix Therapy. They discuss how perfectionism can be both a coping mechanism and a hidden symptom of anxiety and depression. Using references from "Inside Out" and "Inside Out 2," they delve into the psychological impact of striving for perfection and how to embrace imperfection.

Episode Highlights:

1. Anxious To Meet You: Perfectionism and Its Origins

• Perfectionism as a response to family expectations, societal pressures, and personal experiences.
• How "Inside Out" portrays the role of emotions in shaping behavior.
• The connection between perfectionism and a desire for control or to avoid criticism.

• The introduction of complex emotions like anxiety in "Inside Out 2."
• Perfectionism’s unattainable standards leading to heightened anxiety and stress.
• The pursuit of perfection as a drain on energy and source of unfulfillment.

• Setting realistic and attainable goals instead of aiming for perfection.
• Challenging negative self-talk and practicing mindfulness.
• Reflecting on achievements and practicing gratitude.
• The importance of community and surrounding oneself with supportive people.

Reflection Moment: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt pressured to be perfect. What were the underlying emotions driving that need? How can you reframe your perspective to embrace imperfection and practice self-compassion?

Guest Host: Angela of Blue Phoenix Therapy @BluePhoenixTherapy on IG

Resources Mentioned:

• "Inside Out" and "Inside Out 2" movies.
• Techniques for challenging negative self-talk and practicing mindfulness.
• Importance of community and support networks.

Connect with Us:

• Visit our website: www.bewellwithnicole.com
• Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @BeWellwithNicoleG
• Join the conversation using the hashtag #BacktoLifePodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not a replacement for medical advice, therapy, or professional support. Please seek professional help when needed.

Next Episode: Join us next time as we continue our series with a look at control and its hidden impacts. Learn how to manage control issues healthily and understand their roots in anxiety and depression.