Content warning: Episode addresses self-harm.

Summary

In this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa Gorelkin delves into the complex topic of self-harm, exploring its various forms beyond the commonly recognized behaviors.

She emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for self-harming behaviors and introduces tools to help interrupt the cycle of shame and distress. The conversation highlights the need for compassion and professional support while providing resources for those in need.

Takeaways

Self-harm encompasses more than just physical acts.
It can manifest in subtle ways, even in those who seem fine.
Understanding the purpose behind self-harm is crucial for healing.
Self-harm often serves as a coping mechanism for emotional pain.
Common forms of self-harm include emotional sabotage and overworking.
Tools like using a red Sharpie can help manage impulses.
Recognizing patterns in self-harming behaviors is the first step to change.
Compassion towards oneself is essential in the healing process.
Professional help is recommended for those struggling with self-harm.
Resources are available for immediate support and guidance.

Vanessa Gorelkin, MA, OTR/L is a licensed Occupational Therapist with 30 years of experience. She is in private telehealth practice-- providing therapy and coaching services nationally and internationally.

To get in touch: call or text the podcast hotline-- 602-753-7020 or you can email at realoveridealpod@gmail.com

In this episode of Real Over Ideal, host Vanessa Gorelkin discusses the theme of bad decisions, coping, healing after mistakes and resilience. And she tells her all time favorite story about resilience after terrible trauma -- if you know her in real life, you probably have heard this story.

Vanessa tells about a career choice that turned out to be detrimental but ultimately led to valuable lessons and personal growth. (That's a nice way of saying the job was a nightmare because the boss was a toxic abusive micromanager, all her own opinions- obviously.)

The conversation explores the nature of resilience, emphasizing that it is not about avoiding failure but about how we recover and learn from our experiences.

Vanessa also addresses questions about regret and the importance of self-compassion for healing in the face of mistakes, highlighting that resilience includes rest and self-care.

Thank you for listening- it's been amazing to see how far and wide our listeners are from.

*****Please leave us a 5 star review and let us know where on Earth you're hearing the show- this helps us continue to find our audience & keep this podcast going.*****

Vanessa Gorelkin, MA, OTR/L is a licensed Occupational Therapist with 30 years of experience. She is in private telehealth practice-- providing therapy and coaching services nationally and internationally.

To get in touch: call or text the podcast hotline-- 602-753-7020 or you can email at realoveridealpod@gmail.com

In this conversation, Vanessa Gorelkin addresses common concerns about sleep, particularly the anxiety surrounding it. She emphasizes the importance of acceptance and self-care in achieving restful sleep, rather than obsessing over it. The discussion covers the impact of sleep debt on health, the phenomenon of revenge bedtime procrastination, and practical tips for fostering a healthier relationship with sleep.

Takeaways

Shift your self-talk from 'I have to sleep' to 'my body will take the sleep it needs.'
Sleep doesn't respond to worrying efforts; it responds to acceptance.
Close your eyes and roll your gaze upward to relax.
Revenge bedtime procrastination is a protest against feeling overwhelmed.
Sleep is a communication from our nervous system, not a report card.
Focus on reducing pressure and calming your nervous system.
One or two rough nights of sleep don't equal long-term damage.
Make one small shift this week to support your sleep.
If you can't fall asleep, pause and accept the moment.
Sleep is about the relationship between you and your body.

Vanessa Gorelkin, MA, OTR/L is a licensed Occupational Therapist with 30 years of experience. She is in private telehealth practice-- providing therapy and coaching services nationally and internationally.

To get in touch: call or text the podcast hotline-- 602-753-7020 or you can email at realoveridealpod@gmail.com