The Mental Health Coach | Coping Skills, Boundaries, Grief, Trauma, Marriage Counseling
Neuroscience-Backed Wellness Support for Parents *Top 10% Globally Ranked Podcast* Are you tired of feeling alone on your journey of being a parent and having to juggle so much between work, family, and managing all of the things? Is it hard to remember a time when you felt happiness and joy because you are constantly overwhelmed by life’s demands? Do you long for a deeper connection with your partner, kids, or friends, and wish you had a supportive community to help you navigate this challenging season of life? I am so glad you are here! This podcast will provide you with real life stories, neuroscience-backed strategies, and practical skills to help you feel less alone on your journey toward greater joy, authenticity, and improved mental and relational well-being. Hi, I’m Jen Alley. I’m a wife, a mom, a Licensed Professional Counselor, and a coffee fanatic. Just like you, I am trying to figure it all out as I navigate this one messy and beautiful life I have been given. I know that even good lives come with challenges including parenting struggles, trying to stay close to your partner in the grind of life, trauma, grief, addiction, relationship difficulties, and aging parents just to name a few. I have been guilty of trying to get through the hard times alone and presenting a polished exterior while struggling on the inside. Over the years, I’ve learned that perfectionism is isolating, that we are meant to be in community, and that vulnerability can be connecting and healing. I’ve also learned that having strategic systems in place can help reduce overwhelm and allow us to reconnect with ourselves and the people who matter most to us. I’m excited to be your mental health coach. I will share therapeutic concepts, brain science, and real life stories with you to help you better understand yourself and to improve the relationships that matter most to you. If you are ready for actionable strategies, tools, and skills to feel more present and less stressed… Authentic stories that help you feel less alone in your journey… And research, therapeutic concepts, and neuroscience made accessible to help you navigate your struggles and relationships with more ease… Throw on your tennis shoes for a walk or grab your own cup of coffee and let’s get started! PS. This podcast is not therapy, but it is a great adjunct to therapy. Life is hard. Let’s do it together!
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Episodes
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Thursday Aug 01, 2024
Many studies over the past decade have found that people who consciously implement gratitude into their lives tend to be happier and less depressed. While it may sound cliché, there is science to support that practicing gratitude positively impacts our physical, social, emotional, and mental health!
Resources:
The 4 A's of Appreciation According to Brian Tracy:
Appreciation: Actively recognizing and valuing the positive aspects and people in your life
Acknowledgement: Consciously acknowledging the good things and feeling thankful for them
Admiration: Admiring the qualities, skills, or achievements of others and yourself
Affection: Showing love and fondness for the people and things that positively impact your life
Guided mediations for gratitude: https://www.mindful.org/5-guided-meditations-to-fill-your-heart-with-gratitude/
Next Steps:
Want to work with me?
You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.com
Join the Community!
Become a Modern Family Mental Health Insider!
Visit me at www.jenalley.com
Follow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapist
Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Do you ever feel stuck or unmotivated in working toward a goal despite your best efforts? You're not alone. This episode explores common obstacles that hold us back. From procrastination and self-doubt to burnout and fear of failure, we'll talk through effective strategies to overcome these challenges and also tips for giving yourself compassion and grace when things feel hard.
Resources and Related Episodes:
Episode 15: Tips for Learning Your Nervous System and How to Move Back into Regulation to Handle Life's Stressors
Episode 14: Getting Real About the Discomfort of Growth and Change
Episode 4: The Power of Self-Talk: Unlocking the Magic of Self-Compassion
Next Steps:
Want to work with me?
You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.com
Join the Community!
Become a Modern Family Mental Health Insider!
Visit me at www.jenalley.com
Follow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapist
Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
It can be hard as an adult to prioritize and find time to take care of our own wants and needs. As a parent, it can feel even harder. The consequences, though, of not identifying and prioritizing our own needs are dire. We might be more on edge with our kids and partners, we might experience chronic unhappiness, and we might experience greater symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Today, we are going to talk about how to identify and prioritize your needs and take ownership over your own life, even as a busy adult.
Resources and Related Episodes:
Episode 4: The Power of Self-Talk: Unlocking the Magic of Self-Compassion
Episode 6: Emotions: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Navigate Them
Episode 8: Organization, Routines, and Non-Negotiables to Decrease Stress + Improve Your Mental Health
Book: Real Self Care by Poojah Lakshmin
Next Steps:
Want to work with me?
You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.com
Join the Community!
Become a Modern Family Mental Health Insider!
Visit me at www.jenalley.com
Follow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapist
Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Wednesday Jul 10, 2024
Did you know your brain holds the key to transforming your health? By retraining your brain, you can calm your nervous system and promote healing from within.
Brain Retraining Coach Katie Nickerson shares her knowledge of the nervous system and practical exercises to help move our nervous systems back into a felt sense of safety. She also offers her story of moving from chronic illness back to health through brain retraining (and no, it’s not just positive thinking or all in your head).
In this episode, Katie gives additional resources and tools for helping us regularly move back into a state of ventral or safety.
If you missed Part 1 of our conversation, you can find it here.
Want to learn more about Katie or work with her? You can find her here:
Free consult Sign up: https://calendly.com/katienickersoncoaching/30minEmail: katie@abodehealingco.comWebsite: https://abodehealingco.com/IG: @abodehealingcohttps://www.instagram.com/abodehealingco
Next Steps:
Want to work with me?
You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.com
Join the Community!
Become a Modern Family Mental Health Insider!
Visit me at www.jenalley.com
Follow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapist
Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Wednesday Jul 03, 2024
Did you know your brain holds the key to transforming your health? By retraining your brain, you can calm your nervous system and promote healing from within.
Brain Retraining Coach Katie Nickerson shares her knowledge of the nervous system and practical exercises to help move our nervous systems back into a felt sense of safety. She also offers her story of moving from chronic illness back to health through brain retraining (and no, it’s not just positive thinking or all in your head).
In this episode, Katie explores the need for us to be aware of what state our nervous systems are in to protect our own health and to help ourselves heal from negative feedback loops.
Be sure to check back next week for Part 2 of our interview!
Want to learn more about Katie or work with her? You can find her here:
Free consult Sign up: https://calendly.com/katienickersoncoaching/30minEmail: katie@abodehealingco.comWebsite: https://abodehealingco.com/IG: @abodehealingcohttps://www.instagram.com/abodehealingco
Next Steps:
Want to work with me?
You can learn about the services I offer at www.jenalley.com
Join the Community!
Become a Modern Family Mental Health Insider!
Visit me at www.jenalley.com
Follow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapist
Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
June is Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet men often face unique challenges and stigmas that prevent them from seeking the help they need.
We'll discuss:
The societal pressures and expectations that impact men's mental health.
Common mental health issues men experience and how they manifest.
Practical advice on how to seek help and support loved ones.
Resources and practices for maintaining mental well-being.
Let's break the silence together and create a culture where men's mental health is a priority.
Resources:
https://www.nami.org/
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Provides immediate 24/7 help over the phone, a directory for various other help-lines, and information on general lifelines and crisis support.
https://headsupguys.org/
Next Steps:
Join the Community!
Become a Modern Family Mental Health Insider!
Visit me at www.jenalley.com
Follow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapist
Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Wednesday Jun 19, 2024
Guest Katie Hallberg shares her journey of parenting her transgender son. She offers wisdom for all parents and gives us insight into the internal work that she had to do in order to achieve she and her husband's vision of keeping their family together across time and keeping their then-daughter, now-son, alive.
June is Pride Month which recognizes the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. Pride Month is a time of celebration, reflection, and action, honoring the history of the LGBTQ+ movement and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable future.
Here are important statistics highlighting the mental health issues that LGBTQ young people face.
Resources:
The Genderbread Person
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Resources Texas
LGBTQ+ Crisis Hotlines
Connect with Katie:
Instagram
Next Steps:
Join the Community!
Become a Modern Family Mental Health Insider!
Visit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
Wednesday Jun 12, 2024
We are often upset or in conflict because of something that we all unconsciously do because we, as humans, are meaning making machines. This episode explores what that is and steps to help gain clarity and awareness to have greater connection, peace, and less misunderstanding in our lives.
Resources:
Worksheet
Next Steps:
Join the Community!
Become a Modern Family Mental Health Insider!
Visit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Today's Sponsor: https://realtyit.com/
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
Wednesday Jun 05, 2024
How do you feel about summers? While I love having more time with our kids and enjoy the slower pace, it also can be challenging with the lack of structure and lots of togetherness!
This episode will highlight 10 strategies to help your family have a successful summer!
Next Steps:
Join the Community!
Become a Modern Family Mental Health Insider!
Visit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Wednesday May 29, 2024
Wednesday May 29, 2024
I was excited to guest on Joy Johnson's podcast, The Journey to Becoming. Joy is using her platform to spotlight mental health this month for Mental Health Awareness Month after experiencing heartbreaking mental health trauma in her own family.
You can find Part 1 of our conversation here.
You can find Joy Johnson on Instagram.
Resources
NAMI
Find a therapist
Feelings and Needs List
Mental Health Tracker/Daily Check-In Sheet
Next Steps:
Join the Community!
Become a Modern Family Mental Health Insider!
Visit me at www.jenalley.comFollow me on Instagram @jen.alley.therapistLeave a written review on Apple Podcasts!
Thanks for listening!