Forward in Heels

Has everyone taken this deep dive over at @thecut? Such a great explanation of why the booming AI/bot/text therapist market is a facade. Therapy is a specifically crafted relationship based on your expertise in your lived experience and your therapist’s years of education and insight. When you are in session, you have each other’s undivided attention. If your therapist is getting paid by the word and juggling multiple text-based crises while you’re texting them your distress ...but also texting your friend...that’s a recipe for chaos. If you want to connect with a real person who can help you navigate your challenges right now, reach out and we’ll match you with the right therapist for YOU, not your profile. #repost: An overwhelming demand for counseling has spawned slickly marketed companies promising a service they cannot possibly provide. Apps like Talkspace, BetterHelp, Doctor on Demand, and Amwell all seek to provide mental-health care via smartphone. On the surface, it makes sense... https://www.thecut.com/arti/mental-health-therapy-apps.html

In this week’s episode of the #FeministAF podcast, I got to learn from Fatima-Zohra Hakam, Founder and CEO of @zorachocolate. We discussed the intricacies of ethical cocoa farming, how to train our palates to detect high-quality chocolate, and how sustainable farming can be uniquely feminist. If you’re looking for more stories from women who are unapologetically themselves, taking up more space in the world, and embracing being too much, check out the episodes up now! Don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends! #linkinbio

In this week’s episode of the #FeministAF podcast, I chat with Peggy Shell, CEO and Founder of Creative Alignments. We discuss how the pandemic wiped out 50 years’ worth of women’s gains in the workplace, what small and large businesses can do to make structural changes to support their women (and men!), and how to make your next role aligned with your values instead of culture. https://buff.ly/3vJcHn2

I wore sequins to get my vaccine because this is cause for celebration y’all! March 18th, 2020 was the first day of a different reality. I set up my virtual therapy practice from the guest room at my parents’ house in Florida, where I was only supposed to be visiting for a few days, planning to fly back to NYC on the 17th. I learned a ton about the nuances of telehealth very quickly, and like everyone else, I often found myself rudderless and confused about what... I was supposed to do next. In some ways, my clients and I navigated the uncertainty together, because I used every anxiety-reducing tool in my toolkit on myself during those first few months, which allowed me to give better feedback and guidance to my clients when the panic struck them, too. March 18th, 2021 marks 2 weeks after my second vaccine dose. In exactly one year, I went from trying to manage total chaos to starting to plan for life after once again. I often tell clients who feel overwhelmed and helpless that the way they feel now is not how they will always feel, because it’s not how they’ve always felt. This was a mantra that was often hard to believe over the last year, but it’s true. Who do you want to be after all of this? How do you want to be? What do you miss from your old life that you want to recreate, and what will you thank and let go of? Get your shot, continue to wear the cute masks you invested in, and wherever you are emotionally, be proud of yourself. You’re still here to fight another day for the life you want to lead. If you want more guidance from a therapist trained in your area of need, reach out! We will find you the best match. Send us a DM, email [email protected], or use the contact form on our website. See more

I woke up today with the Brady Bunch song Sunshine Day stuck in my head. Today is the , the shortest day of sunshine each year. Scientifically speaking, sunshine helps release serotonin, and that hormone gets us ! Unfortunately, there’s also a flipside.... Darkness from moody weather releases , making life feel more like an ABC After School Special. , or SAD, is a form of depression triggered by the changing seasons and lack of natural sunlight. ~~~~~ If you want to boost your serotonin levels this winter, try during the daylight! The sun is calling your name Take it a step further with a , so you can mimic natural sunlight in your own home. Check your vitamin D levels with a doctor and supplement if need be. However, just as astroturf cannot replace grass, these . If you’re ready to go a step further and seek out professional mental health services, DM me for a consultation. We’re expanding our team and would love to find the right therapist fit for you! Life isn’t all potato sack races and frog hopping championships, but it can still be all year round!

Happy Llamakkah everyone! Tonight marks the eighth and final night of Hanukkah, commemorating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a group of Jewish rebels defeated the occupying Greek armies. Celebrating the triumph of light over darkness feels especially prescient on the eve of the end of the four-year-long occupation we have endured by this hateful and harmful administration. We will never get back the 300,000+ (and counting) lives we have lost, and our inc...oming President is not our savior. This triumph of light over darkness is one victory on an infinite journey towards justice. What we learned over the past four years is that the work never ends. We never reach the point where we have finished fighting for what is right. This may sound daunting but I think there’s freedom and power in knowing that rather than one battle determining everything, our everyday actions matter more. I believe this because it means that if we err, or we know more today than we did yesterday, that we can use what we’ve learned to do better the very next minute. Use your light to light the torches of others. Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate and wishing light to those with hate in their hearts. P.S. peep those beeswax candles - they purify the air support our friends, the bees!

One of my core values is authenticity, so let me get real with you. ’ . When my clients look at me, they are not supposed to see the ideal they’re working towards.... I am not the fairy tale happily ever after. Instead, I am a human: flawed, badass, and growing. Every strategy for managing uncertainty and anxiety that I recommend, you can bet I’ve tried on myself! I usually apply my yes and philosophy to the art of holding conflicting emotions simultaneously, but this also holds true for identity. No one is completely good or bad, strong or weak. What we are is COMPLETELY WORTHY. Comment if you believe in the value of ! If you’re struggling to uncover your own value system and not sure where to begin, pick up a copy of my book Forward in Heels: A step-by-step guide to having it all for badass women who want to excel at what they do, stand tall, and own their worth so they can light up the world! If you’re looking for more 1:1 engagement, DM me so we can work together to discover your core values and set you on the journey towards experiencing the freedom of being your true self.

Here’s one holiday I DON'T want to celebrate. . You know why?... I DON’T want to go back, even to last month! Fifty years ago, we had the Strike For Women’s Equality. The slogan? Don’t iron while the strike is hot! ! 100 years ago, we got the 19th Amendment. Our suffrage had to come after Prohibition! ! 150 years ago, the first woman ran for president, just as a statement. She wanted Fredrick Douglass to be her running mate ...but he was busy in the real world. ! These were groundbreaking victories, but I’m not nostalgic for 1870. Why would I need to go back to 1960 to celebrate the birth control I can celebrate today? Our achievements don’t matter less over time. . I am proud to be of a 2020 woman, and I am proud to of a 2070 woman. I am also proud to that generations of feminists secured for me! In the comments, tell me - what would you want to see if you could time travel to the future? Check out my podcast, #FeministAF, to learn more about where the feminist movement is today and where it’s going thanks to badass women doing the work to move us forward every day!

I’ve got a for y’all fresh out of the Geek Feminism Wiki oven. Ready? .... This is the gold star men expect for showing women basic decency. Yup, that’s real and it’s why my face looks like this. For example, a man might brag for catcalling someone or for giving a woman the opportunity to speak. Today is , but I won’t be doling out any Feminist cookies for meeting the lowest of bars. , ’ . The next time you’re asked for a cookie, take it as an opportunity to explain allyship. Then, bust out some Oreos for YOURSELF because also #fuckdietculture. Tell me favorite cookie in the comments! Check out my podcast, #FeministAF, to hear how other women create real change for a respectful society!

In this week's episode of the #FeministAF podcast, I got to interview guest @jessica_korthuis, mompreneur and founder of @sohuisinc, an educational platform and membership community that teaches early-stage female founders how to brand and market their businesses. Listen in for the truth about being your own boss, keeping to your core values, andtaking off with your big idea! https://buff.ly/3ohP0OS

If you know me, you know how I hate empty hype. Today is , and you don’t need me to explain the importance of giving, but I want you to give wisely. You’ve earned this money! Don’t just hand it over without doing your homework. One place I donate is to the shelter where I adopted this little monster! I know the kind of work they do and I’ve seen their results myself.... 1. Think about an organization’s mission. Choose what matters to you personally and find one whose purpose for existing aligns with your values. 2. Check out how they spend the money they’re given. At least 70% should be allocated towards programming and services, not administrative costs (aka salaries and office space). 3. Look for results. What have they done already? What are some examples of successes via met goals and changes implemented? 4. Evaluate transparency. Find out who’s at the top of the charity and what their resume says. This information should be readily available and not require you to get your PI license! If you can’t find it, it’s being hidden for a reason. Don’t stress about doing MORE work just to be charitable this season though - you can use these resources to vet any charities you want to donate to! GreatNonprofits.Org Guidestar.org CharityNavigator.org CharityWatch.org ! It helps you make decisions, and it can help other women take control of their lives too! If you’re feeling stuck and not sure what your values are or how to align them with your actions, turn some of that giving on yourself and grab a copy of my book, Forward in Heels: A step-by-step guide to having it all for badass women who want to excel at what they do, stand tall, and own their worth so they can light up the world. Comment below, what are some of your favorite ways to give?

In this week’s episode of the #FeministAF podcast, I got to interview the delightful guest Sara Duchovnay (@songbirdsarajewelry), opera singer, activist, and jewelry curator. Tune in for a backstage look at our narratives about female competition, romantic performer lifestyles, and divorce rings to celebrate new life chapters!

? You know it! On International Day of the Girl, we celebrate all the strength and spunk that make up GIRL POWER! ... The girls of 2020 are RESILIENT. I remember when missing ONE recess was the behavior penalty. These girls are taking on challenges way beyond their years, and I am ! We can learn A LOT from them, and I expect them to continue impressing us as they grow up. When this generation leads, all of us are in for a . Tag a girl who inspires you! I personally am in awe of @gretathunberg, among many others. And tune into listen to my podcast, FeministAF, to hear from some of those inspiring girls of the past all grown up!

In this week’s episode of the #FeministAF podcast, I interview guest Shannon McLay, the founder of The Financial Gym, a company that pairs you with a B.F.F. (Best Financial Friend) to take a fitness inspired approach to transforming your money shame into money success. Listen to us discuss the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, learning financial literacy in adulthood, and reclaiming the financial world from men.

Hello community of badass womxn! I have a very short ask of you all - we are looking to understand how our community engages with both Forward in Heels and Feminist AF, and how we can streamline all of our offerings in order to provide you with the best platform for you to live your best life! Would you be willing to anonymously answer 10 short questions so we can tailor our content? https://forms.gle/LLu69CReY151nrJ99

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the pandemic only increases its relevance. Domestic violence is when someone uses abuse or coercion to establish and maintain dominance. 1 in 4 women experiences domestic violence.... 1 in 10 men experiences domestic violence. 5 in 10 transgender and gender non conforming persons experience domestic violence. If you are facing physical or sexual violence or emotional or financial abuse, you are not alone. If you are experiencing any form of abuse or coercion, please DM me here at my licensed clinical therapy practice and schedule an appointment. Domestic violence can happen to anyone, but it is not random. It is aggravated by systemic oppression. The BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community suffer the highest instances of intimate partner violence. It is our responsibility to further equality and promote peace. Societal injustice touches every part of life, even our domestic lives. Please remember this when you vote in 2020, and please consider a donation to your local women’s shelter. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE NYC 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE

Addressing the Misogyny in Our Ether In this week’s episode of the #FeministAF Podcast, I have the pleasure of interviewing guest Teri Yuan, the founder of Engendered, an organization that empowers survivors and fights rape culture. Listen in to hear us discuss how conversation , education , and legislation can expose and defeat the patriarchy.

I’m not sure if you know this about me, so ' . I host a podcast. It’s called Feminist AF and it's a BFD. ... ...Which means that International Podcast Day is !!! Forgive my but I am SO PROUD of Feminist AF and how far it has come! I have no shame in being my own hype woman because I know how much WORK is behind the hype! I am for all of the incredible, inspiring, badass womxn I have gotten to meet, from all over the US to England to Afghanistan! I am for future episodes, and all the adventure, knowledge, and opportunities they may bring! Like and comment who your favorite guest so far has been and who you want to hear someday, so I know you’re celebrating with me! And if you're following here but haven't yet listened to an episode of Feminist AF, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! Subscribe right now to see what all the fuss about!

I know I’m supposed to lean in, but sometimes I just want to LIE DOWN. ( @aliwong) On those days, coffee is a . Today may be the official #nationalcoffeeday but in this house, that’s every day! However, I also listen to my body and . If I'm at that point of burnout, I need to look at my choices holistically, not just inject myself with caffeine to power through.... If I want to be , I will depend on my body’s signals, not caffeine. Caffeine related disorders are actually recognized by the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), including intoxication and withdrawal. Caffeine is a stimulant in the same way alcohol is a depressant - one that can be enjoyed by many people in moderation, but it does not mean they don't have effects on our functioning. I have certainly had those days where I overcaffeinated to the point where I was still tired but also jittery! Not the outcome I was going for. That being said, I love coffee. I love latte art and foamy macchiatos; they bring into my life. But I know that I can't have coffee after a certain time or there will be consequences, no matter how delicious it is in the moment. As a therapist, I understand the importance of distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy relationships, even in something as seemingly benign as my favorite morning indulgence. , ' ! Comment your #1 coffee order, and tag your favorite local coffee artists so we can all feel a little treat yo self joy these days! Mine is the absolutely gorgeous @felixroastingco Feeling ? DM me here to learn how to prioritize YOUR needs. , ’ !

In this episode, I get to interview literal goddess @herazee, a social media strategist and certified yogi . Listen in to hear is discuss embracing imperfections, establishing clear boundaries, and maintaining inner peace through challenging times!

Anxiety is a sentient being that lives in your brain. When it has a focused task, it drives us! When it doesn’t, it drives us crazy! How to focus it? #anxiety #mentalhealth #selfcare #takecareofyourself #wednesdaywisdom

Robert Downey Jr., step aside! In this episode, I interview Jackie Faye, the first woman to complete SIX Ironman triathlons on SIX continents in ONE year! @thejfaye and I discuss everything from feminism in Afghanistan to the value of true friendship. Listen in for the unique perspective that comes from jumping out of helicopters, running in a bulletproof vest, and starting an international nonprofit @shecantri.

In this week’s episode of the #FeministAF podcast, Jenny interviews Gino Perrotte, communications coach, founder of @right.brain.journeys, and a MAN!!! Tune in for a discussion on breaking free from gender roles, acknowledging the variety and complexity of human identities, and appreciating emotions.