Episoder

  • Summary

    In this engaging conversation, Cindy Payne interviews Jeanny Gallo, a passionate yoga teacher and wellness advocate. Jeanny shares her journey from a career in fashion to discovering her true calling in fitness and wellness. They discuss the importance of mindful movement, recognizing burnout, and the transformative power of yoga. Jeanny emphasizes the need for self-care, communication in relationships, and the joy of adventures. The conversation highlights the lessons learned from personal challenges, including living with hearing loss, and the significance of pursuing joy and authenticity in life.

  • Summary

    In this episode of Unmasking, Cindy Payne hosts her husband Eric Payne to discuss anxiety and burnout from a male perspective. They explore Eric's background, the impact of achievement on mental health, and the differences in how men and women process emotions. The conversation delves into the symptoms of burnout, the importance of emotional processing, and the challenges of navigating new beginnings in entrepreneurship. Eric shares insights on managing anxiety and the significance of support systems in overcoming mental health challenges.

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  • Summary

    In this episode, Sarah and Cindy discuss their personal experiences with anxiety, reflecting on insights gained from previous guests. They explore the impact of anxiety on women, particularly in the context of motherhood, and share coping mechanisms and support systems that have helped them. The conversation also touches on the role of medication and therapy in managing anxiety, the importance of self-compassion, and the evolving understanding of mental health in parenting. They conclude with thoughts on future discussions and the significance of navigating these challenges together.

  • Summary

    In this episode of Unmasking, hosts Cindy and Sarah welcome Ashley Igo, a licensed professional counselor, to discuss her journey with anxiety, trauma, and resilience. Ashley shares her personal experiences with trauma from a young age, including a tragic train accident that shaped her life. The conversation delves into the importance of therapy, particularly EMDR, in processing trauma and the role of parenting in fostering resilience in children. Ashley emphasizes the significance of community support and advocacy, particularly through her work with the Lauren Kennedy Scruggs Foundation, which provides prosthetic coverage for those in need. The episode highlights the healing power of animals and the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence in children.

  • Summary

    In this episode of the Unmasking Podcast, hosts Cindy and Sarah welcome Anne Nicol, a counselor who shares her personal journey with anxiety stemming from her breast cancer diagnosis. The conversation explores the complexities of managing anxiety during and after treatment, the importance of community support, and the empowerment that comes from prioritizing self-care. Anne discusses her experiences as a therapist and how her journey has shaped her practice, particularly in working with women facing similar challenges. The episode emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health and the importance of acknowledging one's feelings.

  • Summary

    In this episode of Unmasking with Cindy and Sarah, the hosts reflect on their back-to-school series, discussing key takeaways from their guests and the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children. They delve into the anxiety that often accompanies the transition back to school and the expectations placed on parents. The conversation also touches on the difficulties of being a therapist while managing personal struggles, emphasizing the importance of self-care and the power of friendship in navigating these challenges.

  • Summary

    In this episode of the Unmasking Podcast, Cindy and Sarah engage with Kim Minch, a certified parenting coach, to discuss the challenges of parenting emerging adults. Kim shares her personal journey, including her experiences with her son's addiction and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation delves into the concept of 'failure to launch,' the importance of setting boundaries, and the impact of technology on parenting. Kim emphasizes the need for parents to support their children's independence while also addressing their own emotional health. The episode concludes with practical tips for proactive parenting and the importance of fostering resilience in children.

  • Summary

    In this episode of Unmasking, Cindy Payne interviews Karen Jones, a counselor specializing in animal-assisted therapy. They discuss Karen's journey into counseling, the role of her therapy dog Deuce, and the challenges faced by parents of neurodivergent children. The conversation also covers the importance of early intervention in mental health, the pressures on teens and college students, and the need for empowerment through resources. Karen shares insights on navigating school systems and the misconceptions surrounding high school and college paths. The episode concludes with Karen's hopes for the future of her practice, Golden Paws Counseling.

  • Summary

    In this episode, Ethan Payne shares his experience transitioning from high school to college, particularly focusing on his journey of sobriety and the support he has received at Texas Tech University. He discusses the recovery program at the university, the challenges he faced leaving home and graduating high school, and how he has been able to excel academically by applying himself and utilizing the support available to him. Ethan also talks about the accommodations he received for his ADHD and the individualized support he has received from professors. He highlights the fun aspects of college life, such as game days and the recreational center. The conversation explores the themes of sobriety, communication, and personal growth. Ethan discusses the benefits of being sober in college and the importance of finding a supportive community. Cindy shares her struggle with communication and finding the right balance of support for her son. The conversation highlights the importance of letting go and allowing young adults to navigate their own lives. Ethan emphasizes the value of taking advantage of resources and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Both Ethan and Cindy express their appreciation for each other and the growth they have experienced together.

  • Summary

    In this episode, Cindy and Sarah interview Tessa Knickerbocker, a middle school and high school teacher, counselor, and parent. They discuss the challenges and joys of parenting adolescents and the importance of supporting their mental health. Tessa emphasizes the need for curiosity over judgment when understanding and guiding adolescents. She also highlights the significance of creating a safe space for kids to express their emotions and helping them navigate social pressures. Tessa shares her personal experiences and insights as both an educator and a parent. In this conversation, Cindy, Sarah, and Tessa discuss parenting during the middle and high school years. They talk about the importance of allowing children to be themselves and not imposing unnecessary expectations. They also discuss the challenges of social media and offer advice on how to navigate it. The conversation emphasizes the importance of open communication, understanding, and creating a safe space for children to express themselves.

  • Summary

    In this episode, Cindy Payne sits down with her friend Kathy Riojas, a parent of both neurodivergent and neurotypical children. Kathy shares her experience as a mom and a licensed professional counselor, discussing the joys and challenges of parenting in the autism community. She talks about her background in public education and her transition to becoming a school counselor and later an LPC. Kathy also opens up about her complicated relationship with autism and the importance of being honest about the challenges and emotions that come with it. In this conversation, Kathy Riojas, a licensed professional counselor and mother of a neurodivergent child, discusses the challenges and joys of parenting a child with special needs. She emphasizes the importance of finding a community of support and being vulnerable about the difficulties of parenting. Kathy also shares her principles for staying motivated and caring for oneself as a parent. She highlights the benefits of It's a Sensory World, a specialized private school and nonprofit organization that provides sensory-based education and support for neurodivergent children. Kathy encourages parents to trust themselves and seek out resources and information to navigate the educational system and plan for their child's future.

  • Summary

    In this episode, Cindy and Sarah discuss their experiences with back-to-school season. Cindy reflects on her journey as a parent and the challenges of finding the balance between overcompensating and empowering her children. Sarah shares her nervousness about her daughter starting kindergarten and the excitement surrounding the new school experience. They also touch on the pressure parents feel to make everything perfect and the different ways of preparing children for school. Overall, the conversation highlights the mixed emotions and adjustments that come with the back-to-school season. The conversation revolves around the experience of sending children back to school and the mixed emotions that parents go through. Sarah shares her bittersweet feelings as her daughter starts school full-time, while Cindy reflects on her own experiences as a parent. They discuss the challenges of finding the right school for neurodivergent children and the grief that comes with letting go. They also preview upcoming episodes in their back-to-school series, which will cover various perspectives on parenting and education.

  • Summary

    In this episode, Cindy and Sarah answer questions about trauma and discuss the relationship between trauma and dissociation. They explain that dissociation is a common experience that everyone goes through when their brain and body become overwhelmed. They also discuss how trauma can lead to more extreme forms of dissociation. They emphasize the importance of understanding dissociation and educating people about it. They also talk about trauma symptoms in adults and children, including mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, physical symptoms, and meltdowns. They highlight the need to recognize and validate these symptoms and provide strategies for grounding and calming the body. In this conversation, Sarah and Cindy discuss the importance of recognizing and validating emotions, especially in children. They talk about the hand model of the brain and how to regulate emotions by engaging the prefrontal cortex. They also discuss the ACE study, which explores the impact of adverse childhood experiences on health and well-being. They emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care and the role of protective factors in building resilience.

  • Summary:

    Karla Beaman, a licensed clinical social worker, specializes in brain spotting therapy to help clients heal from PTSD and complex PTSD. She shares her journey into this second career and the impact of trauma on individuals and relationships. Brain spotting is a therapeutic approach that focuses on eye positions and bilateral stimulation to access and process trauma. Karla emphasizes the importance of attunement and creating a safe space for clients to explore their trauma. She also highlights the role of self-trust and self-compassion in the healing process. Karla's favorite thing about brain spotting is witnessing real healing and seeing clients find connection and love for themselves and their communities.

  • Summary

    In this episode, Cindy and Sarah discuss complex PTSD and its impact on daily life. They explore the difference between complex PTSD and PTSD, with complex PTSD being caused by multiple traumatic events over time. They emphasize the importance of understanding the role of relationships in complex PTSD and how it affects attachment styles. They also discuss the concept of somatic healing and the need to slow down and develop a sense of discernment in order to heal from trauma. The conversation explores the importance of relinquishing control and finding ways to relax in order to integrate the mind and body. It emphasizes the need to practice small steps of relaxation and dissociation from triggering situations. The hosts discuss the significance of having a supportive therapist or person in your life who can help remove shame and provide guidance in practicing relaxation techniques. They also highlight the value of somatic exercises in building body awareness and releasing tension. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to notice how their bodies show up in stressful situations and practice releasing tension.

  • Summary:

    In this episode, Cindy and Sarah introduce the topic of trauma and the concept of unmasking. They emphasize the importance of self-care and being mindful of triggers when discussing intense topics. They discuss the origins of unmasking and its negative connotation in the past, but highlight the positive aspect of unmasking in the context of mental health. They explore the difference between big traumas and little traumas, and how trauma is a subjective experience. They also discuss the role of shame and the reasons why people mask their mental health. They emphasize the importance of empathy and believing the person when supporting someone who has experienced trauma. They touch on the impact of trauma on the brain and the body, and the need for healing and unmasking to create a sense of safety and authenticity.Keywordstrauma, unmasking, self-care, triggers, big trauma, little trauma, shame, mental health, empathy, subjective experience, brain, body, healing, authenticity

    Takeaways

    Practice self-care and be mindful of triggers when discussing intense topics related to trauma. Unmasking in the context of mental health is about revealing one's true self and reducing shame. Trauma is a subjective experience and can be big or little, with both types having an impact on mental health. Empathy and believing the person are important when supporting someone who has experienced trauma. Trauma affects the brain and the body, and healing involves addressing both aspects. Unmasking and healing from trauma can create a sense of safety and authenticity. The Power of Empathy in Supporting Trauma Survivors Unmasking Trauma: Exploring Big Trauma vs Little Trauma "Please practice self-care and be mindful if at any time you're uncomfortable or something has triggered you, please take care of yourself." "Unmasking in a positive way." "Trauma is a subjective experience."
  • Summary

    In this conversation, Sarah interviews Cindy about her background and her journey of unmasking. Cindy shares how she initially pursued a career in teaching but felt the need to get closer to being able to help others. She went back to graduate school in her 30s and now works as a counselor in private practice. Cindy also opens up about her childhood experiences, including being raised by her grandparents and the impact of her mother's mental illness. She discusses how these experiences led her to develop a masking behavior and the challenges she faced in finding her authentic self. The conversation explores the concept of unmasking oneself and the importance of authenticity in relationships. It discusses the impact of complex PTSD on relationships and the need for compassion and boundaries. The hosts share their personal experiences as mothers and how it has inspired them to unmask themselves. The conversation also touches on the role of shame in masking and the importance of validating children's feelings. The episode ends with an invitation for listeners to identify the people in their lives with whom they can unmask and be authentic.

  • Summary

    In this conversation, Sarah shares her background and her work as a therapist. She discusses her collaboration with pediatricians and her focus on play therapy. Sarah also talks about her training in different therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and space therapy. She highlights the challenges faced by neurodivergent children and the importance of providing support for them and their parents. Sarah also opens up about her own childhood experiences, including her role as a caregiver for her brother with special needs and her relationship with her stepfather. Sarah discusses how masking continued to develop throughout her life, from childhood to early adulthood. She shares how she would mask her emotions by doing what she thought she was supposed to do and not showing big emotions. Sarah also talks about the pressure she felt to be perfect and not let anyone down, which led to anxiety and self-criticism. She emphasizes the importance of unmasking and being authentic, both for herself and for her daughter. Sarah reflects on her journey of self-discovery and the support she has received from her parents and close friend, Cindy.

  • Summary

    In the first episode of the Unmasking Podcast, hosts Cindy and Sarah introduce themselves and explain the concept of unmasking. They discuss the logistics of the podcast, including the episode length and topics. They also share their backgrounds as licensed professional counselors and their personal experiences as parents of neurodivergent children. The hosts define masking as the act of concealing one's true emotions and thoughts in order to feel accepted by others. They explore the reasons why people mask and the impact it can have on mental health. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to reflect on a time when they have felt the need to mask their true selves.