In episode 75 my guest is Dr. Melanie Ricaurte ,PsyD, Clinical Psychologist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapy Supervisor.  Dr. Ricaurte is the Clinical Director of Harmony Holistic in Bethesda Maryland.  In today&apos;s episode we are discussing " Infidelity " loosely  based on the book State of Affairs by Esther Perel . We define the elements of cheating, stigmas around cheating and talk about the emotional implications of cheating . Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

Connections

Infidelity- What is Cheating ?

In episode # 74 my guest is Vanita Sanders, MSW who is the Senior Director of College and Career Access and Success at Strategic Community Partners and former Assistant  Director for GEAR-UP ( Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) at the University of Michigan. Vanita has championed college access, college readiness and community initiatives that support college age students and parents of college age students. In this episode "Parents and College Age Children" Vanita shares her professional and personal expertise on how parents can help develop their young adult children into independent students and citizens. Vanita says there are two ways young people learn "Mentor and Mistakes" .  She also states parents have to learn to let their children who are in college own their journey. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma  or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

Parents with College Age Children

In episode #73 my guest is Brendon Jackson a single dad who shares his journey of how he became a single dad raising a daughter . Recently the movie " Fatherhood" encouraged many to explore and discuss the roles that fathers play in the lives of their children. Brendon shares some his  wisdom and  insights into how fathers can provide &apos;emotional flexibility &apos; and vulnerability when raising their children. He also explained how fathers and mothers can co-parent without causing emotional harm to their children. If you are a single father please listen and share . If you want to hear some depth and a great perspective from a millennial single father listen to this podcast. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma  or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

Single Fatherhood

In episode 72, I am discussing Attachment Styles and Relationships. Attachment styles are developed during infancy based on the relationship that the infant has with their parent or caregiver. Have you ever wondered why you behave a certain way in relationships ? Have you wondered why your partner behaves a certain way. This podcast will help you to understand why you behave a certain way in relationships and how to develop a secure attachment style. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

Attachment Styles and Relationships

In episode 71 my guest is Marissa Teslak, and we are discussing how social media and technology impacts friendships and relationships. Marissa is a Behavior Intervention Specialist  and she will share some ways to reduce the negative impact that social media can have on your friendships. In this episode you will learn some mindful practices to help you manage your reactions to chasing the green dot ( checking your friends active status) and how much time you spend on social media and your smart  technology. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

Friendships, Social Media and Mindfulness

In episode #70 my guest is Dr. Jeff Lip ,  a Licensed Professional Counselor and Adult Education Administrator. Dr. Lip has visited the show several times and  shares his knowledge and expertise on todays episode " Burnout and Self-Reliance" . Burnout is the result of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. In this episode Dr. Lip and I are discussing how therapist, helpers, pastors and other frontline workers experience stress.   Dr. Lip shares knowledge  about burnout and how to prevent it through using some specific tools and strategies to help reduce the chances of burnout. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma  or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

Burnout and Self-Reliance

In episode #69,  I am discussing the topic "How to get along withIn-laws". I  give your some strategies to build a healthy relationship with your in-laws. Everyone has in-laws once anyone in the family marries. Believe it or not you can get along with your extended family including your  mother-in-law and even your sister-in-law if you want to. Get to know your new family without the influence of your partner. In this episode you will learn ways to engage and bond with your new family. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma  or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

How to get along with In-laws

In episode 68 my guest is Nathalie Flores Lowther, and we are discussing " Multicultural Relationships " and what are some of the benefits as well as challenges when blending two different ethnic cultures together in a marriage relationship . Nathalie is from Peru and her husband is African American and she shares some insight into the relationship between the two cultures. 

Multicultural Relationships

In episode 67 my guest is Heidi McBain,  a Texas licensed therapist and perinatal mental health expert. She owns a counseling private practice that&apos;s based out of Flower Mound, Texas and focuses on mental wellness for moms during pregnancy, postpartum and throughout motherhood.  Heidi and I are discussing "Postpartum Depression " as we continue to recognize Mental Health Awareness month. Is there is a difference between baby blues and postpartum depression. Postpartum depression includes moods that can show up during and after delivery of the baby. To better support moms who may be dealing with postpartum depression listen and share. 

Postpartum Depression

In episode 66 my guest is Ken Walker a local social activist for mental health, brand strategist, philanthropist, and young professional who shares his personal journey and how he became an advocate for Black Men and their mental wellness. In today episode Ken and I are discussing "Entrepreneurship and Mental Health "  Ken is also a high fashion designer who created his own brand of high-street life style  clothing, the brand platform" Tailor Your True Self. Ken has built marketing campaigns for renown brands like Cadillac, Travelocity, Ford Motor Company and many others.  Ken shares how he developed and created the " Detroit  Mental Health Day" an annual event and project help people find therapist, and resources for Black Men to improve their mental wealth.  You can follow Ken Walker at @thekennwalker on Instagram to find out more about his high-street style clothing collection. You can also listen to episode 22 if you want to find out more about how Ken helps black men with mental wellness. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma  or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

Entrepreneurship and Mental Health Advocacy

In episode 65 my guest is Raynard Meridith, a Licensed Professional Counselor with a practice in Southfield Michigan.  We are continuing to  celebrate and acknowledge Mental Health Awareness Month during the month of May.  During this episode Raynard and I are discussing "Post-traumatic Stress Disorder"  which is often misunderstood in the community. Raynard provides us with the DMS-IV definition and gives examples of how PTSD effects individuals in our world. Raynard also provide intervention and coping strategies for families and individuals with PTSD. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression, trauma  or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

In episode 64 my guests are two local mental health professionals; Eric Scott, LMSW , and Nicole Bell , LPC . May is Mental Health Awareness month and we are discussing how the pandemic has impacted mental health. Eric and Nicole share their expertise and some coping strategies to deal with all that is going going with the pandemic, social justice, parenting, relationships, and the education of school age children.Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

Mental Health and The Pandemic

In this episode my guest is a fitness and holistic health coach from Atlanta Georgia . He shares his health and fitness tips . Fitness is a mindset and your health begins in the womb according to @Supremeholesticofficial.  He believes everyone should have an individual plan for health , fitness and recognize the utility of health. Health is so important to your energy and everything that you do in life. Focusing on your health is aligned to having your priorities in order. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

Fitness and Holistic Health

In the 62nd episode my guest is Charles Phipps , who is a Licensed Master Social Worker and owner or Paradigm Counseling . Charles is also a Certified Addiction Counselor who shares his expertise on " Addiction and Relationships" . Charles shares information on the stages of addiction, including how the pandemic has impacted substance use and addiction.  Listen to Charles share how alcohol and other drugs impact the body and relationships. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

Addiction and Relationships

In the 61st episode  I share  strategies to help you set boundaries with toxic people in your family, friendship circle or any other relationship. Toxic people are usually self-serving and the emotions you experience when they are around include stress and anxiety. In this episode you can learn how to start saying no. Are you in need of coaching or counseling for anxiety, depression or having relationship problems? You can find me at  my website, (www.empoweringserenity.net ) or follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/connieakinslpc/and  join my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/empoweringserenityandguidance and  locate me on the Therapy for Black Girls website for counseling. Please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast and help Connie Akins increase the number of views and listeners. Please share and thanks for your support. 

Setting Boundaries with Toxic Family Members and Friends

Connections a podcast by Connie Akins, a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Private Practice to help you heal your personal and professional relationships through counseling advice, tips and ideas. Connections will help you to explore ways to build healthy relationships that are important for self fulfillment.

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Connections

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