There are as many reasons to seek counseling as there are people. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Loredana Zito, a licensed mental health counselor and school psychologist, joins us to demystify the counseling experience. Together, we explore why people seek therapy, how to find the right fit in a counselor and what to expect in those first few sessions. Stigma sometimes prevents people from seeking mental health care, but asking for support is an act of strength.

Women's health is often discussed as separate symptoms, but the lived experience — hormonal shifts, misunderstood conditions and the emotional weight of postpartum life — deserves deeper attention. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Pina LoGiudice, naturopathic doctor and owner of InnerSource Wellness, joins us to discuss concerns women bring into care and issues that often go unspoken. Together, we explore hormonal impacts on mental health, misdiagnosis, and how women can become more empowered in seeking support.

Supporting a young person who has thoughts of suicide can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Jessica Torres, a licensed master social worker and crisis counselor, and Brennan Spector, a former Trevor Project volunteer and licensed mental health counselor, offer guidance for adults navigating these conversations. They explore the subtle signs a student may be struggling and the power of calm language and presence. Learn how adults can care for themselves while doing this emotionally demanding work.

When trust is broken by someone (or something) you rely on, the impact can be deeply disorienting. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, trauma-informed therapists Suzanne Shanley and Emily Sanchez of Glass Psychotherapy describe what betrayal trauma is and how it impacts the nervous system, self-trust and attachment. They also explore how it can show up in both personal relationships and larger systems, and what healing looks like over time.

Our bodies respond to stress with a fight-or-flight response that may be disproportionate to the situation we're encountering. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lisa Siclari, a licensed mental health counselor, shares some simple somatic techniques that support emotional regulation, stress relief and overall well-being. Bring your body into the conversation with techniques that can be easily integrated into your daily routines at work and at home.

Substances promoted as beneficial to wellness may be anything but; online pharmacies sell tainted products that look like real pharmaceutical drugs; and friends vouch for products that may be unsafe. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Jo Venturelli, a leader in addiction and behavioral health, shares insight into how the substance-use landscape has evolved and what that means for schools, families and workplaces. Learn about emerging drug trends, warning signs, pathways to recovery and ways educators and communities can strengthen prevention, safety and connection.

Bullying: To overcome it, we have to understand it. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Carol Morrison, a licensed clinical social worker and director of New Directions Clinic, explores how bullying impacts not only students, but educators, school staff and entire school communities. Unpack what bullying looks like in 2025 and how its dynamics shape the emotional climate of our schools. Learn how educators can respond in grounded, sustainable ways and where to find support.

Welcome back to The Brewing Wellness Podcast, brought to you by the UFT's Member Assistance Program. We're kicking off Season 7 with a powerful reminder: You don't have to navigate life's challenges alone.

This episode is all about reintroducing MAP — what it is, why it exists and how it can support you as an educator and as a whole person. From counseling and support groups to workshops and wellness resources, we're sharing the many ways MAP is here to walk alongside you.