Title: #101 Breaking Free from Toxic Positivity

Released: November 7, 2024

Hosted by: Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach and Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into the concept of toxic positivity—the pressure to maintain a positive mindset, even at the cost of denying real emotions. We’ll explore what toxic positivity is, why it can be harmful, and how it differs from healthy optimism. Gabi and Emy discuss the importance of validating your own emotions and how to support others authentically when they’re facing difficult times. 

Topics Discussed:

• What is Toxic Positivity? Understanding toxic positivity and why it can feel invalidating. Emy and Gabi discuss toxic positivity from the point of view of a licensed therapist and a certified coach.
• Signs of Toxic Positivity Recognizing when positivity becomes toxic, from phrases like “just stay positive” to “look on the bright side.”
• The Dangers of Suppressing Emotions Why ignoring negative emotions can lead to burnout, anxiety, and more.
• Authenticity vs. Positivity How embracing all emotions, including difficult ones, can foster resilience and authentic connections.
• Practical Tips for Avoiding Toxic Positivity Simple ways to stay supportive and positive without ignoring real emotions.

Key Takeaways:

• Allowing space for all emotions is essential for mental health.
• Healthy positivity means recognizing both good and bad emotions, not just “focusing on the good.”
• Practicing empathy and validation can help people feel heard and supported.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “Be kind to yourself and allowing yourself to feel the moment.” Emy Fernandez, Certified Coach
• “Somebody else’s process doesn’t have to be yours.” Gabriela Reyes, LMFT
• “Listen Now: Tune in for insights on how to foster a more balanced approach to positivity that empowers you to honor all your feelings and support others effectively.

For more on Gabi and Emy, you can check their pages at 

Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

Released: June 10, 2024

Featuring:  Cristina Fernandez Nicole, Esq., Certified Life Coac

Hosted by: Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach and Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

Description: 

This podcast has been released in celebration of our 100th Episode!

Cristina tells us the story about one of her clients, a high school student, she was coaching to help her transition from high school to college.

In preparing her personal statement, her Client used the documentary “The 100 Foot Wave” as a metaphor for life and her transition from high school to college. 

For those of you that are not aware, the "100 Foot Wave" follows the journey of Garrett McNamara, a professional big-wave surfer, as he chases the dream of surfing the biggest wave in the world. The documentary captures McNamara's pursuit of monster waves, focusing on his time in Nazaré, Portugal, known for its massive and dangerous waves. It showcases the physical and mental challenges, the highs and lows, and the relentless determination needed to tackle such extraordinary feats. The documentary also highlights the broader surfing community and the impact of this quest on McNamara's life and those around him.

What this documentary meant for the Client was not surfing, but instead it was about what we do to meet the ultimate challenge.

In this documentary the lessons are not only important for a high schooler transitioning to college but anyone looking to grow and challenge themselves in life that are pursuing a passion, facing challenges and the risks and reward.

And, it's not just about checking the boxes, like the college application was asking her Client to do.  Overall, "100 Foot Wave" illustrates that with passion, resilience, and support, one can overcome significant obstacles and achieve extraordinary goals, much like the journey of a high school student striving to achieve their dreams whether it be college or not.

Cristina, Gabi and Emy, share their 100 foot waves.  It's not just about a one time big challenge but in life we may constantly be getting over many 100 foot waves.  Many life lessons in this episode - enjoy!

For more on Cristina, Gabi or Emy, you can check their pages at 

Cristina N. Fernandez, Esq., Certified Life Coach 

Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

Resources:

https://www.hbo.com/100-foot-wave/season-1

https://www.hbo.com/100-foot-wave/season-2

Featuring:  Dr. Todd Giardina

Hosted by: Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

Description: 

Join host Emy Fernandez and Dr. Todd Giardina in this episode as they dive into the world of pre-wedding therapy, a powerful tool for engaged couples facing potential challenges. Discover how therapy sessions can help couples tackle communication issues head-on, address concerns, and develop crucial relationship skills. Uncover the pain points that many couples face before tying the knot and explore how pre-wedding therapy can strengthen their bond, enhance understanding, and lay the groundwork for a fulfilling and successful marriage.

For more on Dr. Giardina and Emy, you can check their pages at 

Dr. Todd Giardina

Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

Resource:

Eight Dates

Featuring:  Cristina Fernandez, Esq. and Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

Hosted by: Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

Description: 

In this episode of the Why series we look into why journaling.  And for this podcast we brought in Cristina Fernandez.  In addition to being an attorney, she’s also a certified life coach and certified yoga instructor.  She and Gabi will discuss why we should consider taking up journaling and how they use it as a tool with their clients. 

Gabi and Cristina discuss how journaling helps organize our thoughts.  Emy explains how she has her clients journal about what went well.  By remembering things that went well you have the ability to repeat them. They discuss toxic positivity v. negative thoughts.

For more on Cristina, Gabi and Emy you can check their pages at 

Cristina Nicole Fernandez, Esq., Certified Life Coach

Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

Released: April 18, 2024

Featuring:  Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

Hosted by: Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

Description: 

The podcast is the first of our Why Series.  Why we do what we do, for example why do we do affirmations, why do we journal, etc. 

In this first of the series, Gabi and Emy discuss why affirmations and positive thoughts and the importance of being aware of the thoughts that come through. They discuss the techniques they use with their clients to help them move out of their negative thoughts.  They also discuss how thoughts drive our feelings and ultimately our actions and results. 

If you have any ideas for future podcasts you can reach out on our instagram: coralgablescounselingcenter

For more on Gabi and Emy you can check their pages below:

Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

Featuring:  Emy Fernandez, Certified Life Coach and Recruiting Director

Hosted by: Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

Description: 

As a recruiter and life coach for attorneys, Emy discusses and breaks down with Gabi attorney stress, overwhelm and burnout.  They explain the difference between burning out because of lack of boundaries or whether it’s because of the law firm culture. 

They explain how many attorneys jump from job to job trying to find the best place but they jump with the same thoughts and feelings therefore it will be difficult to be happy anywhere if they don’t address the actual issues of billables, life balance and boundaries.

To learn more about Emy you can sign visit her website page at Emy Fernandez, Certified Life Coach. You can also sign up for her email list through the link below where she shares insights and information for attorneys on managing boundaries, stress and life balance 3 Tips to Overcome Overwhelm Today. 

And, if you’re tired of trying to DIY it, you can schedule a consult by calling her office at 305-445-0477.

Resources: 

Ascension Global Staffing and Executive Search – https://ascensionsearch.com/

Coral Gables Counseling Center – https://www.coralgablescounseling.com/

Featuring:  Gabriela Reyes, LMFT, Nicole Herdocia-Oria, LMFT, Cristina Fernandez, Esq., Certified Life Coach

Hosted by: Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

Description: 

This podcast describes how to recognize when we need healing.  Sometimes it’s obvious but not always.  We discuss how to incorporate and implement small self love rituals in our lives to move towards personal healing. 

We also discuss the one-day Tough Love Retreat Coral Gables Counseling Center has twice a year.  Our next one is on November 19, 2023, and we want to invite everyone to enjoy a day just focusing on healing and loving yourselves.

We will have licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, certified coaches, and certified yoga instructors leading groups at the retreat.  They will be presenting then going into break out sessions.

We will be closing out the retreat with music and dance. 

Information:

Tough Love Retreat, Location: Villa Ventiséis, 23550 SW 187th Ave., Homestead, FL 33031Cost: $350/pp and $500/for 2 - Payment plans available

To register or for more information you can call our office at 305-445-0477 or you can email us at [email protected]

Featuring:  Sophie Schauermann, LCSW

Hosted by: Gabriela Reyes, LMFT and Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

Description: 

Gabi and Emy talk to licensed clinical social worker, Sophie Schauermann, who works with sensitive children and their parents.  Sophie describes the traits of sensitive children. She explains the dynamics between the sensitive child and the parents and siblings.  And, she gives us tips on the best ways to live with a sensitive child. 

For more information you can visit her website at RootedRhythm.com or email her at [email protected].

Featuring:  Laurel Kilpatrick, MD, Certified Life Coach

Hosted by: Gabriela Reyes, LMFT and Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

Dr. Kilpatrick, a palliative care physician, discusses with Emy and Gabi the effects of guilt and not being enough for women physicians.  She works with women physicians on managing their brains around their feelings of guilt in a very demanding career so instead they can lead a more fulfilling emotional life. 

For more on working with Dr. Kilpatrick, you can visit her website at https://positivespindr.com/

Featuring:  Dawn Goldberg, CPA, Certified Life Coach

Hosted by: Emy Fernandez, MBA, Certified Life Coach

Dawn Goldberg, who coaches accountants on stress and overwhelm, discusses with Emy how mismanaged brains lead to mismanaged time which in turn leads to stress and overwhelm. Putting things on a color-coded calendar is not enough for productivity if we do not actually take action.  This podcast is rich with information on how we can turn our productivity around without the overwhelm.

To take The Smarter Accountant Quiz and to get more information on her book The Smarter Accountant, you can visit Dawn’s website at https://thesmarteraccountant.com/

To take Dawn’s Time Management Personality Quiz discussed on the podcast go to https://thesmarteraccountant.com/personality.quiz/

Title: #91 Diagnosing Prince Harry and Meghan

Released: April 6, 2023

Featuring:  Jenny Friedman, LCSW

Hosted by: Gabriela Reyes, LMFT

Description: 

With this episode Jenny comes back to diagnose another character with Gabi.  With the release of Harry’s book, Spare, and the documentary, we thought it would be a good time to take a psychodynamic view of Prince Harry and Meghan.

Below are some of the resources they mention, including a previous podcast we did with Jenny on what psychoanalysis is and another one where we diagnosed Princess Diana with her.

Podcast: Diagnosing Princess Diana

Podcast: What the heck is Psychoanalysis

Spare on Amazon

For more information on Gabi and Jenny you can visit their pages below:

Jenny Friedman, LCSW Bio

Gabriela Reyes, LMFT Bio

If you want to request that we do a podcast on a specific topic, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]