Modern Mental Health & Relationships | Overwhelm, Boundaries, Overthinking

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.comhttps://www.instagram.com/jen.alley.therapist/Thank you for being part of this community—here’s to a meaningful 2025! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenalleytherapist.substack.com

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://www.instagram.com/dr.jessica.mccarthy/ Want to work with me?You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.comFreebiesVisit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenalleytherapist.substack.com

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/Practical Tips For Keeping Your Kids Safe: https://love146.org/caregivers/ Want to work with me?You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.comFreebiesVisit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts!   This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenalleytherapist.substack.com

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/ Want to work with me?You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.comFreebiesVisit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts!  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenalleytherapist.substack.com

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 by Priya ParkerBoundaries: 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.comBecome a Mental Health Coach Insider!FreebiesVisit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts! Crisis hotlines: Text HOME to 741741 (for any crisis) 24/7 hotlineCall or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org (suicide and crisis lifeline) 24/7 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenalleytherapist.substack.com

With the holiday season around the corner, it’s easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of events, obligations, and expectations. But what if there was a way to feel more grounded, more connected, and less overwhelmed through it all? Today, we’re talking about the power of knowing your values—both personal and family values—and how they can serve as a compass to guide you not just during the holidays, but in every part of your life. Imagine making decisions that feel true to who you are, setting boundaries that honor what matters most, and creating a home environment that reflects what you and your loved ones truly stand for. Resources: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/Episode 20: Tired of Living On Autopilot? Incorporate THIS to Help You Live With More Purpose and Intention. Want to work with me?You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.comBecome a Mental Health Coach Insider!FreebiesVisit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts!   This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenalleytherapist.substack.com

We’re kicking off a series on navigating mental and relational health during the holiday season. For many, the holidays can bring anxiety, sadness, grief, and loneliness. Today, we're diving into something that many of us feel but don’t always talk about—holiday stress. Why can this season, which is often advertised as "the most wonderful time of the year," feel so challenging and emotionally draining for so many of us? If you're feeling the weight of the holiday season creeping up, you're not alone. Today, we’ll explore some of the common sources of holiday stress and share strategies to help you navigate this time of year with more peace and intention. Resources: Navigating Holiday Stress: A Free Self-Care and Boundaries Workshop (Register here)5 Steps to Identifying and Prioritizing Self-Care Workbook Want to work with me?You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.comBecome a Mental Health Coach Insider!FreebiesVisit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts!   This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenalleytherapist.substack.com

Today is National Stress Awareness Day – a day to recognize the effects of stress on our lives and learn how to recognize, manage, and reduce it. This episode will help you define stress, understand the impact of chronic stress, encourage you to create a self-care plan as part of your normal routine to promote resilience, and teach you ways to help your body move into safety once you are in stress.  Resources: Create a self-care planEpisode 15: Tips for Learning Your Nervous System and How to Move Back Into Regulation to Handle Life's StressorsEpisode 7: Navigating Stress: A Guide to Understanding and Managing It Want to work with me?You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.comBecome a Mental Health Coach Insider!Free ResourcesVisit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts!  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenalleytherapist.substack.com

Conflict is inevitable in any close relationship. What's important isn't that we avoid rupture but the desire, skillset, and ability to repair. In this episode, we’re diving into what it means to experience rupture and repair in relationships—and how this can build resilience, deepen intimacy, and foster personal growth. We’ll explore why ruptures happen, how to recognize when they occur, and outline practical steps to repair and rebuild with the people who matter most to us.  Want to work with me?You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.comBecome a Mental Health Coach Insider!FreebiesVisit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts!  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenalleytherapist.substack.com

Did you know that the U.S. Surgeon General has called loneliness a public health crisis, with risks as serious as smoking and obesity? Loneliness affects millions of adults, posing real risks to both mental and physical health. In this episode, we’ll uncover why loneliness is so prevalent, how our fast-paced lives and digital connections can often make things worse, and, most importantly,  steps to build fulfilling adult friendships that support well-being. Resources: Brené Brown on building trust/the marble jar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6442YcvEUH8 Want to work with me?You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.comBecome a Mental Health Coach Insider!Visit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jenalleytherapist.substack.com