The Viva Podcast

WE HAVE SOME NEWS! After a couple of years things are changing at Viva and that means that we're switching it up. Tune in as we say our goodbyes...for now.

Are you dealing with the natural variances in mood during the winter months or Seasonal Affective Disorder?  Listen and find out! Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects about 10 million US adults. That’s a lot of people! Learn what the signs of SAD are and what steps you can take to make life better if you’re dealing with symptoms.

Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? Many people do, but many people also struggle with making progress on their goals. Whether you set goals, or intentions (or not!) we’re here to offer some feedback and suggestions on how to move forward with intention.  Please share your own challenges so we can normalize this. Share this episode with a friend who also may need to hear it. Thanks for your support!

This time of year, in particular, comes with a lot more financial stress. And this is on top of inflation, and as some would argue, a looming recession. It’s time to normalize the stress that comes with money. We're all feeling it in different ways! Tune in as we explore how to navigate some of these challenges for the sake of your mental health.

How do you navigate relationships with family members?  Family can be complicated. As the holiday season approaches, you might need some help reframing your relationship to family, and we’re here for you! Listen to our latest episode on managing time and energy with family, however you feel about them.

Have you ever heard of a parasocial relationship? Are you a fanatic of your favorite celebrity or influencer? Does this get in the way of your relationships our daily life? Listen to Jor-El and Rachel as they dig into stan culture and navigating relationships with celebrities or influencers (and the complications of it all). We hope this one resonates with you and helps you reflect on what makes these relationships so powerful for you. And if you like what you hear (or not) please leave a podcast review and share this episode with a friend!

How good are you at accepting criticism? Challenging feedback can be tough for anyone so there’s no need to feel any shame if it’s hard for you. We're here to support you! Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo as they talk about navigating criticism and dealing with "haters." Editor’s Note: You’re not imagining the unfortunate beeping sound. Just chalk it up to NYC living. Sorry!

Do you choose your relationships over friends? Or friends over your relationship? On this episode Rachel and Jor-El explore the idea of prioritizing friendships, or how little we actually do that in practice. Press play to hear their thoughts and join in on the conversation on social media. Do you treat your friends as equal to your relationship, or less than? Do you prioritize your partner over all other people in your life? We want to know!

As companies require more employees to return to in-person office work and discuss hybrid options, there’s a lot of tension about the work from home debate. Where do you fall in the discussion? Tune in as licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo share their thoughts on the intersection of work from home, justice and accessibility.  Let us know your thoughts by joining the conversation. Share your thoughts on Instagram @vivamentalhealth.

In today's episode we're taking it back to a one of our favorite episodes on the difference between intention versus impact. Tune in and join the conversation with us!

In this episode we're taking it back to episode 67 to talk all things healthcare. If you find yourself stuck in searching for "doctors near me" then this episode is for you!

How often are you offered unsolicited advice, and how do you feel about that?  How often do you offer it? Rachel and Jor-El weigh in on this dynamic and give you some things to think about if you’re often feeling compelled to change someone else’s behavior. Thanks for listening!

Recently, performer Lizzo came under fire for using an ableist slur in one of her newest songs. She quickly issued an apology and changed it. The power that has! Tune as Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo weigh in on the power of language and its role in dehumanization. Please give the episode a thumbs up by writing a review and sharing with a friend who would appreciate the conversation. Thank you for listening! Related reading: The Ten Stages of Genocide (Holocaust Memorial Day Trust)

Buffalo. Uvalde. Chattanooga. New York City. Taft. Port Richmond. These days it seems almost impossible to keep up with the horror of mass shootings and gun violence in the United States. In our latest episode licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo share what the news gets wrong about gun violence and steps you can take today to prevent more senseless death and trauma for so many.

Other than questions about getting started with therapy, one of the questions that often comes up is how do you know when it’s time to end therapy (or “break up” with your therapist)? Join us for our latest episode as Jor-El and Rachel explore how to terminate therapy and signs that your therapist still keeps your best interest at heart - even while you’re leaving.

Aging is a natural human process. If that's the case, then why do we have such complicated feelings about it?  Tune in to our latest episode as therapists Rachel and Jor-El talk about our collective relationship to aging and how we can start to see getting older a bit differently.

Can men and women be “just friends?”  It’s probably a question you’ve come across before but maybe you haven’t heard two therapists talk it through. Tune in as Rachel Gersten, LMHC and Jor-El Caraballo, LMHC reflect on the idea, the assumptions we make about gender (and sexuality), and identify an inclusive path forward. We are so thankful for you listening to the show! Please rate and review this episode, and, as always, send us your thoughts, questions and comments on Instagram (@vivamentalhealth). We’d love to hear from you!

Are you in a relationship and wondering, “is it time to break up with my partner?”  If so, then this podcast is for you. Relationships are not that black and white, and neither is the choice to leave. It can be tough to sort through. Tune in as therapists Rachel and Jor-El explore some things to consider as a relationship faces its potential end.

How often do you find yourself deep in shame or self-criticism when things aren’t going your way? Do you feel this when you’re trying to access healthcare, commute or find a therapist? The barrier might be bigger than you or your attitude. Tune in as licensed therapists and Viva co-founders Jor-El Caraballo and Rachel Gersten dig into the tension between individual concerns and systemic failures. We hope you enjoy! Related reading: https://vivamentalhealth.com/please-vote/

Is high-functioning actually a thing?  If you’ve been on the gram or TikTok then you’d probably think so! Tune in to listen to this episode as mental health experts and licensed therapists Rachel Gersten and Jor-El Caraballo break it down. Rate and review this episode! And, as always, send us your thoughts, questions and comments on Instagram (@vivawellnessnyc). We’d love to hear from you!