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It was such a pleasure to speak with the owners of Ritual Yoga, Elle Randall and Rebecca Haber—two local moms, yogis and owners of Ritual Yoga in Ossining, NY. We discussed eastern philosophy, theater and how the practice of yoga helps you get better at life.  Ritual Yoga Ossining is the love child of Elle Randall and Rebecca Haber, two local yoga teachers and mamas whose fates have been intertwined since 2012 when both trained at Yoga Vida in New York City. Since finishing her training, Rebecca has taught at various studios both in NYC and Los Angeles, including Life in Motion, Love Yoga and Red Diamond Yoga. She believes in using yoga to maintain physical health, but also to create an everyday emotional toolkit. Elle has completed a mentorship with Katonah Yoga, Advanced Sequencing training with Laughing Lotus, and multiple immersions with The Studio. She also has a certification in mat Pilates through Equinox. Elle believes that the purpose of the Yoga practice is to give us insight into our Life practice, to help us be kinder people, and to cultivate more joy in our lives.  For more information or to sign up for an upcoming class go to: https://www.ritual-yoga.com/ Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

🎧 Episode Summary: In this deeply moving and inspiring conversation, Rebekah Shackney welcomes therapist, teacher, and spiritual guide Deah Curry to explore her powerful journey through healing, transformation, and acceptance of terminal illness. With wisdom rooted in transpersonal psychology, naturopathic medicine, and Buddhist mindfulness, Deah shares how she has cultivated peace, equanimity, and even curiosity in the face of a terminal cancer diagnosis. Together, Rebekah and Deah dive into: 🌿 The power of transpersonal hypnotherapy, flower essence remedies, and homeopathy🌌 Exploring past lives, soul purpose, and the concept of planning lifetimes💫 How non-attachment and equanimity shape Deah’s outlook on illness and death🛠️ Tools and metaphors like Spoon Theory for managing energy with chronic illness🤝 The journey from radical self-sufficiency to opening up and letting others support💬 Teaching about grief, and how talking openly about death can ease fear—for ourselves and others🧘‍♀️ Viewing life—and death—as a journey rather than a battleDespite the heavy topics, Deah approaches the conversation with humor, humility, and lightness. Her gentle challenge to conventional fears around death will leave listeners feeling more grounded, present, and open to their own healing journeys—no matter where they are in life. Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

Episode Title: Relax into Sleep with Bilateral Stimulation Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice. I’m Rebekah Shackney, and in this episode, I’m guiding you through a sleep meditation designed to gently activate your parasympathetic nervous system using slow bilateral stimulation—an approach that engages both sides of the brain to promote deep relaxation and rest. For best results, listen with headphones as you settle into bed. Many find this practice helps them ease into a calmer state and fall asleep more easily. Please Note: This meditation may not be suitable for those currently experiencing migraines, recent head trauma, or dissociative identity disorder, as it could potentially worsen symptoms. If you have any concerns, consult your healthcare provider before listening. 💌 Connect with Me: 🌿 Website: rebekahshackney.com 🎙️ Instagram (podcast): @atherapisttakesherownadvice 🎧 Listen on: • Pandora • Apple Podcasts   • Or visit: rebekahshackney.com/podcast If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to reach out, leave a review, or share it with someone who could use a little more peace today. To learn more about DBT group therapy with Rebekah Shackney LCSW, go to https://rebekahshackney.com/groups Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice. I’m Rebekah Shackney, and in today’s episode, I offer a guided meditation to help you navigate interactions with the challenging people in your life with more steadiness and compassion. Whether it’s a colleague, family member, or someone from your past, this practice invites you to stay grounded in your best self—responding with empathy without abandoning your boundaries. You’ll be guided through breathwork, heart-centered awareness, and visualization, reconnecting with your wise mind and inner peace. This meditation isn’t about excusing harmful behavior. It’s about honoring your well-being while holding space for compassion and clarity. Find a quiet space, settle in, and let’s begin. 💌 Connect with Me: 🌿 Website: rebekahshackney.com 🎙️ Instagram (podcast): @atherapisttakesherownadvice 🎧 Listen on: • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Or visit: rebekahshackney.com/podcast If this episode resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to reach out, leave a review, or share it with someone who could use a little more peace today. To learn more about DBT group therapy with Rebekah Shackney LCSW, go to https://rebekahshackney.com/groups Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

Today local mom Jess Vecchiarelli, shares her profound experience with a shamanic healer after a period of loss and emotional distress. Now she's reimagining her life  and she’s using what she learned to uplift our community.  Jess's upcoming offering: The Aligned Path's Women's Wellness Retreat Saturday, June 7 from 9-3:00 pm at Reid Castle (Manhattanville Campus, 2900 Purchase Street, Purchase, NY) Tickets will go on sale in the next few weeks on my website, and I will send you a direct link when available.   🌎 Website: www.thealignedwellnesscollective.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aligned_wellness_collective/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-aligned-path/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ANe33TNZ7/?mibextid=wwXIfr 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.aligned.path?_t=ZP-8v1yocXihrj&_r=1 Confirmed speakers: ✨ Dr. Lorraine Olivero-Brodeur – CEO & Co-Founder at Aquarian Medicine, leader in longevity & energy medicine, empowering conscious transformation & human evolution, author, speaker, and an incredible shaman. www.aquarianmedicine.com ✨ Jan Fielder – Executive Director & Founder of the Fusion Scholarship Foundation, life and wellness coach, and workshop facilitator helping adolescents, adults, and families navigate life’s challenges. www.findingselfcompassion.com ✨ Karin Elias – Wellbeing facilitator, community builder, and podcaster dedicated to supporting midlife women through perimenopause and beyond. Owner of Dancing Turtles Wellness Center in Hastings. karinelias.podia.com Jess Vecchiarelli is a strategic communications leader, transformational event host, and community advocate with over 20 years of experience across technology, public service, education, and nonprofits. She excels at aligning strategy with purpose, building meaningful connections, and driving impactful change. She is also the founder of The Aligned Path, a platform for transformational retreats that blend personal growth, leadership development, and strategic alignment. Her immersive events foster deep connection, skill-building, and community-driven impact. At the intersection of communication, strategy, and social impact, Jess brings vision to life—whether advising mission-driven organizations, leading initiatives, or curating transformative experiences. 💌 Connect with Me: 🌿 Website: rebekahshackney.com 🎙️ Instagram (podcast): @atherapisttakesherownadvice 🎧 Listen on: • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Or visit: rebekahshackney.com/podcast If thi Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

Episode Summary: When standard treatments for depression stopped working, I found myself in uncharted territory—searching for healing in unexpected places. This episode marks the relaunch of A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice—and the beginning of a deeply personal journey through soul sickness, alternative medicine, holotropic breathwork, and the longing for true community. Join me as I share what led to the podcast's rebrand, how I began exploring alternative healing modalities, and why this space now exists as a lifeline for anyone navigating profound inner work. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: Why I started this podcast—and why I kept the nameMy experience with depression, despite “doing everything right”The surprising moment my doctor called it soul sicknessMy first retreat at Omega and what it unlockedStarting psychedelic-assisted therapy—and tapering off antidepressantsThe intensity (and relief) of medicine journeys and somatic releaseHow DBT skills helped me survive the chaosDiscovering community through holotropic breathworkMeeting Katy—and how soul friendships can change everythingWhy this podcast is now a resource for integration, community, and supportThis is a space for the brave—those walking through the fire of healing, and those curious about what happens when traditional care falls short. You are not alone. Resources & Mentions: Omega Institute – Relax & Write WorkshopHolotropic Breathwork at KripaluLearn more or connect: rebekahshackney.comFollow on Instagram: @atherapisttakesherownadviceNext Episode Preview: Don’t miss our next conversation with a local mom who found healing through shamanic work out now, plus two new tools in the next few weeks: a bilateral stimulation to support sleep and a meditation to help navigate difficult relationships. Love the show? Please follow, rate, and leave a review—it helps others find the support they didn’t know they were searching for. Share this episode with someone walking a deep healing path. 💛

This relaxing meditation uses bilateral stimulation, meaning it stimulates both sides of the brain to help trigger your para-sympathetic nervous system and increase relaxation. To fully take advantage of the bilateral stimulation you must be listening on headphones. This type of slow bilateral stimulation typically results in a deep calm, helping to reduce anxiety or other intense emotions or even to relax into sleep. However, it’s not recommended for those with current migraines, head trauma or dissociative identity disorder as it might exacerbate those conditions. If you have a question about whether this medication is appropriate for you, speak with your medical professional before using.    Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

This new series of podcast parent tips aims to help you reduce conflict and better connect with your teen. In the fifth episode, I talk about problem solving options.   When we encounter problems in life, we have choices about how to respond.   1.     You can solve the problem. 2.     You can change how you feel about the problem. 3.     You can tolerate the problem. 4.     Stay miserable or make the situation worse. DBT is Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a model of therapy created by Dr. Marsha Linehan, that has been proven effective at helping people learn to tolerate stress, regulate emotions, improve communication and create a happier more contented life.  Thanks so much for your support of A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice. If you connected with what you heard here, and you want to work with me, go to my website, rebekahshackney.com and send a message through my contact page. And if you have enjoyed what you’ve heard here, please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. To learn more about DBT group therapy with Rebekah Shackney LCSW, go to https://rebekahshackney.com/groups To learn more about DBT group therapy with Rebekah Shackney LCSW, go to https://rebekahshackney.com/groups                                           When you’re ready we can take about feeling better about the problem. Checking the facts and figuring out what you might be telling yourself that is not based in fact. But here’s what I know. I good friend of mine is a high school English teacher. Every year he has students who don’t get into their dream schools, and they catastrophize that their lives are ruined as a result. Inevitably they come back a year later after being in what every college they go to, and they tell him how happy they are. This rejection is not the end of the world. Its understandably painful. And it won’t destroy you.    Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

This new series of podcast parent tips aims to help you reduce conflict and better connect with your teen. In the fourth episode, learn to create a self-soothing kit to ease emotional intensity and get through a meltdown without making the situation worse. DBT is Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a model of therapy created by Dr. Marsha Linehan, that has been proven effective at helping people learn to tolerate stress, regulate emotions, improve communication and create a happier more contented life.  Thanks so much for your support of A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice. If you connected with what you heard here, and you want to work with me, go to my website, rebekahshackney.com and send a message through my contact page. And if you have enjoyed what you’ve heard here, please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. To learn more about DBT group therapy with Rebekah Shackney LCSW, go to https://rebekahshackney.com/groups Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

This new series of podcast parent tips aims to help you reduce conflict and better connect with your teen. In the third episode, learn to empathize with your teen even when you don't agree with them with the DBT Validation Skill. DBT is Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a model of therapy created by Dr. Marsha Linehan, that has been proven effective at helping people learn to tolerate stress, regulate emotions, improve communication and create a happier more contented life.  Thanks so much for your support of A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice. If you connected with what you heard here, and you want to work with me, go to my website, rebekahshackney.com and send a message through my contact page. And if you have enjoyed what you’ve heard here, please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

This new series of podcast parent tips aims to help you reduce conflict and better connect with your teen. In the second episode, learn to change your perspective on your teen's behavior with The DBT THINK Skill. THINK is an acronym that can help you change how you see your teen's behavior. THINK stands for:  Think differentlyHave empathyInterpretationNoticeKindnessThe THINK Skill is just one of the many DBT Skills I teach my clients to help them communicate more effectively and reduce suffering for both themselves and their teens. DBT is Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a model of therapy created by Dr. Marsha Linehan, that has been proven effective at helping people learn to tolerate stress, regulate emotions, improve communication and create a happier more contented life.  Thanks so much for your support of A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice. If you connected with what you heard here, and you want to work with me, go to my website, rebekahshackney.com and send a message through my contact page. And if you have enjoyed what you’ve heard here, please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

This new series of podcast parent tips aims to help you reduce conflict and better connect with your teen. In the first episode, learn to stop conversations from becoming fights with the DBT STOP Skill. The STOP Skill can help you Stop a conflict in its tracks by encouraging you to  StopTake a Step BackObserveProceed MindfullyThe Stop Skill is just one of the many DBT Skills I teach my clients to help them communicate more effectively and reduce suffering for both themselves and their teens. DBT is Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a model of therapy created by Dr. Marsha Linehan, that has been proven effective at helping people learn to tolerate stress, regulate emotions, improve communication and create a happier more contented life.  Thanks so much for your support of A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice. If you connected with what you heard here, and you want to work with me, go to my website, rebekahshackney.com and send a message through my contact page. And if you have enjoyed what you’ve heard here, please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

In the last episode I told a story illustrating the DBT concept of the three states of mind, emotion mind, reasonable mind and wise mind. In this episode, I offer a guided meditation that will help you access wise mind when you need to make an important decision. As a reminder, wise mind is when you are thinking and behaving wisely. Seeing things as they are. Wise mind is in alignment with values and goals where you can access both reason and emotion. When you in wise mind you are moving through the world mindfully. Seeing reality as it is and making decisions make sense and feel right. We all have a wise mind, and we just need to learn to access it and listen to it. Thanks so much for your support of A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice. If you connected with what you heard here, and you want to work with me, go to my website, rebekahshackney.com and send a message through my contact page. And if you have enjoyed what you’ve heard here, please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. To learn more about DBT group therapy with Rebekah Shackney LCSW, go to https://rebekahshackney.com/groups Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

In this episode, I tell a personal story that illustrates the DBT concept of the three states of mind, emotion mind, reasonable mind and wise mind. Emotion mind is when you’re thinking and behaving emotionally, treating feelings as facts about the world and letting your emotions rule your behavior. Emotion mind decisions disregards reason and pragmatics. They are pressured and desperate, you feel as if you must do it now or your life will be over. Reasonable mind decisions are logical and pragmatic…they are the know it all of decisions. They are the choices your parents want you to make, but they don’t necessarily make your heart sing because they ignore feelings. Wise mind is when you are thinking and behaving wisely. Seeing things as they are. Wise mind is in alignment with values and goals where you can access both reason and emotion. When you in wise mind you are moving through the world mindfully. Seeing reality as it is and making decisions make sense and feel right. We all have a wise mind, and we just need to learn to access it and listen to it. Thanks so much for your support of A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice. If you connected with what you heard here, and you want to work with me, go to my website, rebekahshackney.com and send a message through my contact page. And if you have enjoyed what you’ve heard here, please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com

This episode offers a paced breathing guided meditation to help reduce emotional pain quickly and allow you to get through a difficult moment without making the situation worse. When emotional arousal is high the body goes into fight or flight mode. The adrenaline pumps and blood flows to the extremities to prepare the body to face danger. This process works well if you're in real danger, but it's uncomfortable and can lead to problems when you're not.  Paced breathing is a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skill that rapidly sends a message to your mind and body to stop the fight or flight process and move into rest and digest by triggering your parasympathetic nervous system. This skill is DBT TIPP Skill and used as a first line of defense when emotional intensity is at it's highest. Other skills in the category are  Temperature — By placing icepacks on your face and neck or dunking your face in a bowl of ice (not lower than 50 degrees), you can rapidly lessen emotional intensity. Hold your breath and put your face in the ice-water for 30-60 seconds. This skill shouldn't be attempted if you have a heart condition. Intense exercise – Intense cardio exercise for 15-20 minutes can decrease intense emotions for up to an hour. Go for a run or run in place, punch a punching bag or pillow, or do a You Tube workout.  Here are a couple to try: 20 minute Home HIIT Workout and The Fitness Marshall (Short fun dance workouts, do 2-3  for optimal effect). Paced breathing – This breathing exercise triggers the parasympathetic nervous system by slowing the breath and making the inhale shorter than the exhale.  In this meditation, we breathed in for 4 and out for 6. Paired muscle relaxation – In this exercise you tense and relax one muscle group at a time.  When you first tense muscles before relaxing them, your muscles release more deeply than with relaxing alone. This was demonstrated on a previous episode of A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice. TIPP Skills work quickly and easily to reduce emotional intensity. However, the effects are not often long lasting. If you are not read to face your day after completing your TIPP Skill, try another, or try another skills. Self-soothe by triggering the 5 senses. I recommend creating a crisis survival kit for this purpose. You can also distract with activity: playing video games, doing a puzzle, walking your dog, calling a friend, watching TV or YouTube, listening to music, baking a cake, taking a shower, going for a drive. Do not engage with the source of your emotional intensity until you're in a wise mind place. Thanks so much for your support of A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice. If you connected with what you heard here, and you want to work with me, go to my website, rebekahshackney.com and send a message through my contact page. And if you have enjoyed what you’ve heard here, please subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Welcome to A Therapist Takes Her Own Advice! Don't forget to like and subscribe! Instagram: ATherapistTakesHerOwnAdvice www.RebekahShackney.com