Maryellen Dance - Podcast Details

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OKAY-ISHTime for some change: and it's going to be okay—no ishAs 2022 comes to a close, everyone is talking about their goals and resolutions; but we’re not going to talk about that here. Instead, Maryellen wants to talk about how freaking hard change is. She discusses: How we avoid change How she thinks change is difficult because it’s uncomfortable, and we don’t like feeling uncomfortable Some big personal news/personal change: she sold her therapy practice Needing time to sit with that change and recover How she’s dealing with change, including reminding herself that uncomfortable does not equal bad, and that taking a step back can be a good thin...2022-11-2816 min

OKAY-ISHMy trauma isn’t up to youTrauma is serious, scary, and there are not enough services in place to support those suffering. Today, Maryellen wants to normalize it a bit more, show a different perspective, and explain why some people will suffer in situations that maybe you wouldn’t. In discussing trauma Maryellen covers: The subjective nature of trauma and how it lacks a clear definition DMing an influencer to correct them on a trauma comment Big T’s and little T’s How, for each person, different things can be traumatic and that’s okay EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): a trauma therapy based off...2022-11-0716 min

OKAY-ISHDear dumb diary...is this my gut or my anxiety?Maryellen has had to make some big decisions lately, and a friend asked her how she was making them. That made her stop and question just how exactly she was making these decisions, and if she was listening to herself as much as she was to everyone around her. When people suggest you listen to your gut, it can be difficult; especially if you struggle with anxiety. What was helping Maryellen the most was actually journaling, something she’s gotten back in to recently, and speaks about today. She discusses: How we make decisions The ways we can journal i...2022-10-2419 min

OKAY-ISHPrivate practice, insurance, and doing the things with Kelley StevensLicensed marriage and family therapist Kelley Stevens joins Maryellen on the pod this week to discuss being both a private practice therapist, and a consultant for therapists! This episode is as hilarious as it is informative, and we hope it inspires you to “do the thing!”—whatever that may be. Maryellen and Kelley get in to: Working remotely Opening a private practice The difference between private practices and settings such as hospitals or clinics Issues with insurance Everything that goes in to a therapist’s rate Advocating for yourself with your insurance company Marketing for therapists How the first therapist you m...2022-10-0338 min

OKAY-ISHMindfulness: time to take a beat!This week is all about mindfulness! And before you roll your eyes and pause the podcast, bear with us. Maryellen used to feel the exact same way! But since she’s come to understand it more, she really appreciates the value it can bring to your life. However, mindfulness is something she’s been letting fall to the wayside lately, so she wanted to make a conscious effort (hey, mindfulness!) to discuss it today. This episode gets into: The definition of mindfulness How it started in religious beliefs Jon Kabat-Zinn bringing it to the western world How one of his books...2022-09-2617 min

OKAY-ISHLet’s communicate about communicationThis week is a big one as Maryellen celebrates her birthday! Be sure to send your best wishes over on Instagram! In the spirit of celebration, your host takes a moment to sincerely thank everyone who listens to and supports the show. We couldn’t do this without you!! The episode today is all about communication, something most of us do all day, every day, in a bunch of different ways! Maryellen explores: Why do we communicate? Is making your point productive? How often are we communicating without listening? How often are we communicating the same thing in...2022-09-1218 min

OKAY-ISHPeople, please! Are you a people pleaser?If you find yourself so focused on other people’s needs that yours aren’t a priority, this episode is for you! This week is a big one as we’re celebrating 2 years of OKAY-ISH! We are so excited for what’s in store, including some really awesome guests. Maryellen has been seeing ads all over social media lately to “learn how to stop being a people pleaser” which serves as the episode inspiration for the week! Maryellen chats: What is a people pleaser? At what point is it a bad thing? We are in charge of our own happiness Sig...2022-08-2922 min

OKAY-ISHBurnout: I’m therapissed!This week Maryellen opens up about a topic close to home, burnout as a therapist. While you may not be a therapist, you may be able to relate in your own way, as burnout has become all too common in this always-on culture. She also introduces a new segment, Therapissed, all about things that rub her the wrong way as a therapist, especially when she’s burnt out! Maryellen discusses: “Leaving work at work” isn’t as easy as it sounds Burnout won’t go away if you ignore it Try to anticipate when you’ll need a mental health day...2022-08-0825 min

OKAY-ISHDomestic Violence & Red Flags: It Ends with UsTW: Domestic violence This week Maryellen is joined by her sister-in-law to analyze the domestic violence portrayed in Colleen Hoover’s popular novel, It Ends with Us: Why they thought it was a good depiction of a violent relationship Trauma is not an excuse for abuse There should be more therapy talk in this book Correlation/schemas – the cycle of abuse Romanticizing abuse and toxic sex Red flags and green flags from the characters Manipulation vs. trying to do something nice Victim blaming National Domestic Violence Hotline (open 24/7): 800-799-SAFE. Text START to 88788 If you haven’t a...2022-07-1840 min

OKAY-ISHWhen Life Gives You Lemons with Tay DomeWhat do you do when life absolutely pummels lemons at you? This week Maryellen chats with Tay Dome all about her mental health resource, Lemons: Why Tay created Lemons The stigma around mental health The goal of the foundation Connecting people to the resources they need Self-diagnosing from social media Men’s mental health You can follow Tay on Instagram @taydome and learn about Lemons by Tay on Instagram @lemonsbytay and www.lemonsbytay.com To learn more about Operation Happy Nurse visit www.operationhappynurse.org To get the lemons bracelet, made with E...2022-07-0427 min

OKAY-ISHWith my mind on my money, and my money on my mindThis week Maryellen talks all about various financial topics: How to take a step back from financial feelings to make good decisions Normalizing money decisions Helping yourself become better prepared for uncertainties The different forms of financial abuse How problem debt and mental health are connected Relationship patterns with your money If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (anonymously if you’d like) visit okayishpodcast.com! Follow Tara on Instagram @taramariemurphy. 2022-06-2738 min

OKAY-ISHPsychiatric EmergenciesTW: self-harm, psychiatric emergencies This week Maryellen talks all about psychiatric emergencies: Why psychiatric emergencies are important to talk about The mental hygiene law The importance of safety relating to psychiatric emergencies The problem with current resources Systemic issues within health care If you need assistance locating long-term mental health resources, talking through a problem, or exploring mental health treatment options, call 211 to speak with someone who can help. Additional resources include the help hotline: 1-800-273-TALK or suicidepreventionlifeline.org.Always call 911 first if you or someone you love may...2022-06-2022 min

OKAY-ISHTrauma Isn't Just from TragedyThis week Maryellen talks all about trauma: What is trauma informed care? The mental health movement Dissociation due to trauma EMDR trauma treatment Structural dissociation theory How sleep helps us process trauma If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (anonymously if you’d like) visit okayishpodcast.com! 2022-06-1326 min

OKAY-ISHWe’re Doing Happiness WrongThis week Maryellen talks all about happiness: What is happiness? What does happiness look like? Comparison having a direct effect on our happiness The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky How our outlook affects our happiness Toxic positivity How we’re doing happiness wrong How we’re really bad at predicting our own happiness Be sure to check out The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky. If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (anonymously if you’d like) visit okayis 2022-06-0623 min

OKAY-ISHA Therapist’s Take on Johnny Depp and Amber HeardThis week Maryellen talks all about the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard trial: What is an abusive relationship? How watching this triggers people and what to do about it We will never know what really happened What Borderline Personality Disorder looks like What Histrionic Personality Disorder looks like Is this an abusive relationship? Men can be victims of abuse, and this abuse can sometimes look different Can a relationship be abusive to both parties? If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or st...2022-05-3021 min

OKAY-ISHAre You Setting a Boundary or Being a Jerk?The week Maryellen talks all about boundaries: How boundaries first came about Definition of boundaries Types of boundaries: physical, emotional, sexual, financial, etc Knowing when to set a boundary How to set a boundary What to look at before you set boundaries If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (anonymously if you’d like) visit okayishpodcast.com! 2022-05-2325 min

OKAY-ISHDestigmatizing Shit! with Emily and Stephanie from Cycle Chats (Part 2)Emily and Stephanie are the hosts of Cycle Chats, a podcast that destigmatizes what it means to be a woman. In addition to sharing some hilariously honest couch confessionals, they join Maryellen for part 2 of their conversation where they destigmatize and discuss a wide-range of topics, including: Differences between men and women Men and mental health Social media and mental health Toxic positivity Listen to Cycle Chats where ever you listen to podcasts, check them out on Instagram @cyclechats and visit www.cyclechats.com If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review...2022-05-1626 min

OKAY-ISHDestigmatizing Shit! with Emily and Stephanie from Cycle Chats (Part 1)Emily and Stephanie are the hosts of Cycle Chats, a podcast that destigmatizes what it means to be a woman. They join Maryellen today to destigmatize and discuss a wide-range of topics, including: mental health self-care anxiety traditional gender roles Johnny Depp and Amber Heard some people are just assholes (not necessarily gaslighting you, a narcissist, or a sociopath) the importance of awareness If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to tune in to part 2 next week. Listen to Cycle Chats where ever you listen to podcasts, check them out on Instagram @cyclechats and visit w...2022-05-0932 min

OKAY-ISHDiet Culture: What the Literal FThis week Maryellen breaks down the toxicity of diet culture: What is toxic diet culture? How do you lose weight in a healthy way? Why diet culture is so bad? Serotonin/gut health misinformation Be sure to check out Maryellen’s other similar episode: Never Tell a Woman She Looks Pregnant & Other Things Not to Say to People. Plus, be sure to check out Tired as F*ck: Burnout at the Hands of Diet, Self-Help, and Hustle Culture and The F*ck It Diet: Eating Should Be Easy by Caroline Dooner. If you hav...2022-05-0223 min

OKAY-ISHNavigating PerfectionismThis week Maryellen talks all about perfectionism: What is perfectionism? Black and white, extremist thinking Personal stories: college, first jobs, soccer Fixed mindset and growth mindset Connecting self worth to performance Be sure to check out Tired as F*ck: Burnout at the Hands of Diet, Self-Help, and Hustle Culture by Caroline Dooner. If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (anonymously if you’d like) visit okayishpodcast.com! 2022-04-2519 min

OKAY-ISHSupporting Someone with AnxietyThis week Maryellen chats all about supporting someone with anxiety: Difference between the emotional brain and logical brain Letting them know they don’t need their anxiety Letting them know their anxiety is not what makes them who they are Anxiety is based on the past and future, not the present Hard for people struggling with anxiety to focus on the present and be mindful – try to bring them down to the present Not our job to know when someone is anxious – but we can take some hints Don’t engage with the anxious thoughts, wait until it calms down Anx...2022-04-1818 min

OKAY-ISHLove, Lust, Sex...and Mommy Issues?This week Maryellen chats codependency, love, lust, sex, and mommy issues... Why are men are congratulated when they hook up with a lot of people, but women are shamed? Why is lust so exciting? The socio-biological view of sex Passionate vs. companionate love Attachment styles: come from our mothers and show up in our romantic relationships Why do people cheat? Codependent relationships If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (anonymously if you’d like) visit okayishpodcast.com! 2022-04-1123 min

OKAY-ISHThe Pros and Cons of DiagnosingThis week Maryellen breaks down the pros and cons of diagnosing in the mental health community. She discusses: How diagnosing works The DSM Reasons why mental health clinicians diagnose Adjustment disorders Overlapping symptoms Self-diagnosing If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (anonymously if you’d like) visit okayishpodcast.com! 2022-04-0421 min

OKAY-ISHDating, Narcissists, and D*cks with Stacy PerryThis week Maryellen and dating coach Stacy Perry discuss: What a dating coach is Listener questions from last week’s episode on narcissism Why we date people who are narcissistic Confidence in dating Ghosting Dating apps and advice How to not be a d*ck to yourself To keep up with Stacy, follow her on Facebook and Instagram @stacyperrycoaching and visit stacyperrycoaching.com If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (anonymously if you’d like) visit okayishpodcast.com! 2022-03-2839 min

OKAY-ISHMy First Date with a NarcissistThis week Maryellen breaks down narcissism: What it really means Differences between being narcissistic and having narcissistic personality disorder A popular example of narcissistic personality disorder in pop culture Manipulation and gaslighting (and her frustration with the culture of calling people narcissists and gaslighters) Importance of setting boundaries, keeping yourself safe, and reaching out for help if you feel someone is abusing you Plus, tune in next week when Maryellen is joined by a dating coach to dive into this topic even more. If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the p...2022-03-2122 min

OKAY-ISHNo More Crying in TargetLet’s talk about stress, baby! This week Maryellen: Defines stress Explains the evolutionary stress response Highlights the information stress gives us Explains what stress does to the body Discusses the 3 phases of stress: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion (crying in Target) Emphasizes the power of believing you will get through it If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (anonymously if you’d like) visit okayishpodcast.com! 2022-03-1417 min

OKAY-ISHThe Pros & Cons of Social ComparisonThis week Maryellen chats: Social comparison and social comparison theory Social media and highlight reels Benefits of comparison Cons of comparison Setting boundaries If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (anonymously if you’d like) visit okayishpodcast.com! 2022-03-0722 min

OKAY-ISHTrue or False: Psychology EditionThis week Maryellen fact-checks 10 common assumptions... 1: People only use 10% of their brain 2: Inkblot tests reveal a lot about people’s personalities 3: People with schizophrenia have multiple personalities 4: Hypnosis can be used to retrieve suppressed memories 5: Some people are right brained, some are left brained 6: Opposites attract 7: Eye witness testimonies work 8: Mentally ill people are dangerous 9: Mentally ill people never recover 10: It’s bad to talk about suicide if you’re worried a person is suicidal If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (a...2022-02-2821 min

OKAY-ISHF*ck Hustle CultureThis week Maryellen chats: Hustle culture Associating your value with your productivity Toxic positivity New segment: Unspirational! Where she changes up famous “inspirational” quotes... If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (anonymously if you’d like) visit okayishpodcast.com! 2022-02-2118 min

OKAY-ISHWe Are Never, Ever, Getting Back TogetherHappy Valentine’s Day! This week Maryellen chats: Why it’s a terrible idea to get back with your ex A personal, “unhinged” story and lessons learned “I’m sorry you’re upset” isn’t an apology! Familiar does not mean good Reasons you should get back together... Relationships are a verb; active! LASTLY: Don’t sleep with them!!! If you haven’t already, please follow, rate, and review the podcast, and follow us on Instagram @okayishpodcast. To submit questions or stories (anonymously if you’d like) visit okayishpodcast.com! 2022-02-1414 min

OKAY-ISHLoving Yourself, For Real This TimeThis week, Maryellen comments on the difference between performing self love (kind of like the way we perform self care...) and actually loving yourself. Plus, a very important and exciting announcement.Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2022-02-0218 min

OKAY-ISHReleasing Expectations and Embracing your Values with Alaina Brubaker, LMFTToday, Maryellen chats with fellow therapist Alaina Brubaker, LMFT. They get into the nitty gritty of how rewarding hard work on your mental health can be. A sustainable relationship with the world is better than a perfect one.Connect with Alaina:IG: @alaina_talks_therapyConnect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2022-01-2632 min

OKAY-ISHPsychology TrendsToday, Maryellen dives into some recent trends she's seen in psychology and mental health. She reminds us that despite how we may feel, we're resilient.Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2022-01-1922 min

OKAY-ISHJanuary Sucks and it's Okay to Ask for HelpMaryellen describes an encounter with someone who claimed they "knew how to deal with their shit" and debunks stigma around asking for help when it comes to mental health--especially in a long, busy month like January.Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2022-01-1214 min

OKAY-ISHTherapy MisconceptionsToday, Maryellen talks about common therapy stigmas and misconceptions--and debunks them!Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2022-01-0525 min

OKAY-ISHDivorce and Family Mediation with Renée LaPoint, M.S.Today, Maryellen chats with Rochester's Renée LaPoint, president of The Mediation Center. Hear about the importance of mediation and why it's okay to ask for help when it comes to your relationship. You have OPTIONS!Connect with Renée:mediationctr.com/renee-lapoint/Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2021-12-2935 min

OKAY-ISHThe Holidays are HardToday, Maryellen reminds us that struggling during the holidays is normal! She gives us five emergency tips on how to stay sane this holiday season.Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2021-12-2214 min

OKAY-ISHDebunking Psychology MythsToday, Maryellen pivots to debunk myths about the brain. Have you ever heard that 85 per cent of our thoughts are negative? Or that we only use 10 per cent of our brain?Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2021-12-1521 min

OKAY-ISHWe're ALL BiasedToday, Maryellen dives on a touchy topic: biases. We all have them, and we may not even notice some of them.Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2021-12-0821 min

OKAY-ISHWhy We're All Feeling a Little CrazyHappy December! Today, Maryellen reflects on how much we've been through the last two years. We're all feeling a little crazy, and honestly, it would be weirder if we weren't.Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2021-12-0116 min

OKAY-ISHReal Talk with Keya! (Part 2)Today, hear the rest of Maryellen's conversation with Keya's World! Today they cover Rachel and Dave Hollis, and multi-level marketing companies. Plus--Keya gets personal about how she's okay-ish.Connect with Keya:Youtube: KeyasWorldPatreon: Keyas WorldTwitter: @Keyas_WorldConnect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2021-11-2429 min

OKAY-ISHReal Talk with Keya! (Part 1)Today, Maryellen sits down with Keya (of the Keya's World YouTube channel) to get real about mental health, toxic positivity, and more. This interview turned out a little long, so it will be broken into two parts. Tune in to Part 1 now!Connect with Keya:Youtube: KeyasWorldPatreon: Keyas WorldTwitter: @Keyas_WorldConnect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2021-11-1729 min

OKAY-ISHThe Issue with Imposter SyndromeToday, Maryellen takes a deeper look at imposter syndrome. Why do we doubt ourselves and how can we deal with it? Is 'imposter' even the right word?Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2021-11-1011 min

OKAY-ISHWhy We Should STOP Talking About Our FeelingsToday, Maryellen flips the script and describes what happen when we talk about our feelings too much.Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2021-11-0315 min

OKAY-ISHMental Health in Men with Jeff HoffmanToday, Maryellen discusses the unique mental health challenges men face with Jeff Hoffman, founder of Visible Man.Connect with Jeff:visibleman.orgIG: @visibleman_orgTwitter: @VisiblemanOFacebook: Visible ManJoin the Visible Man Discord chat here!https://discord.com/invite/BVQwwJ5Connect with Maryellen:maryellendance.comIG: @okayishpodcast 2021-10-2741 min

OKAY-ISHAre the Kids Alright?Today, Maryellen tackles how hard it is being a kid in 2021. Being a kid is tough as it is, and between COVID-19 and social media, our children could use some extra support.2021-10-2015 min

OKAY-ISHThe Art of Self AwarenessToday, Maryellen discusses self awareness. Though it's unpleasant at times, the authenticity and personal power it brings us is worth it.2021-10-1318 min

OKAY-ISHThe Truth About CommunicationMaryellen talks about communication--a topic she's covered in many different ways before. Today, she covers the truth about communication, the honesty it takes, and what gaslighting really is.2021-10-0618 min

OKAY-ISHAll About Peace Project with Andrea and CasandraIn this episode, Maryellen chats with Andrea and Casandra from Peace Project. A mental health counseling group founded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Peace Project aims to support its local community by offering a person-centered approach to mental health.Connect with Peace Project:www.peaceproject.lifeIG: @peaceproject_lmhc 2021-09-2932 min

OKAY-ISHWhy it's Important to RestWelcome back! Today, Maryellen talks about rest and why it's so important to take breaks and cut some slack for your mind, body, and heart.2021-09-2217 min

OKAY-ISHGoodbye For Now!In the season one finale, Maryellen recaps her greatest hits and says farewell for now ahead of a month long break.2021-08-1114 min

OKAY-ISHOur Wildest Therapy Stories with Erin Pytlak, LMHCToday, Maryellen interviews Erin Pytlak, LMHC. Erin works alongside Maryellen at her private practice, Pittsford Therapy. They go deep on their wildest therapist stories, from clients who overstep boundaries to their own embarrassing moments .IG: @pittsfordtherapypittsfordtherapy.comIG: @maryellendancemaryellendance.comdaydreamernetwork.com/okay-ish-2okayishpodcast.com 2021-08-0432 min

OKAY-ISHDoing Coping Skills the RIGHT WayMaryellen talks copings skills--what they are, what they're for, and how to make sure you're coping in healthy ways.2021-07-2819 min

OKAY-ISHThe Key to ConfidenceMaryellen dives into the world of confidence and how we can boost our confidence through the work of famous psychologist Albert Bandura. As we teach our kids they’re capable of doing anything in the world, we build their perception of what they're capable of doing. Confidence isn’t a fixed attribute and can change over time. There are those who are overconfident and come off as cocky, the secret is they’re insecure--confidence isn’t about boasting about ourselves and abilities. 1. Mastery Experiences: To be confident, we have to look at our previous success to move forward a...2021-07-2019 min

OKAY-ISHThe Importance of CommunicationFrom learning that men and women come from the same planet and how understanding each other’s love languages can grow a relationship, in today’s continuation on the journey of love Mary Ellen dives into the importance of communication. In communication, there are key components to look at other than what comes out of our mouth and what we hear through our ears, such as what we say nonverbally through our facial expressions. As our facial muscles send messages to our brains when an emotion is being expressed, we normally show these expressions first nonverbally than verbally. Along with...2021-07-1420 min

OKAY-ISHLove: Are We Doing It Right?On today’s episode, Mary Ellen indulges us with more on the topic of love and relationships by sharing the 2 major types of love, 2 major predictors of who you will love, and brushes over the 5 love languages. To start off, the 2 types of love people have are companionate and passionate. A companionate love shows two people who trust each other and share affection whereas passionate love shows a couple who are caught up in the honeymoon stage showing passion and short term love. Bringing back the attachment styles, our brains recognize love when we attach to someone tha...2021-07-0718 min

OKAY-ISHWomen's Brains VS Men's Brains: Chemistry or Socialization?Continuing the theme of relationships and looking at how couples interact with one another, Mary Ellen strips away 4 myths of the differences between men and women while showing us the biggest advice when helping with couples. Starting off with myth #1: Men are from Mars and women are from Venus. Putting it into simple terms, mens and women’s brains are constructed differently. According to scientific studies, both mens and women’s brains are built and look similar. While some men are taught to not express their emotions and be more confident, this has no correlation to the brain's activ...2021-06-3016 min

OKAY-ISHHow Your Attachment Style Affects Your RelationshipsEver wonder why babies have different reactions to their moms leaving the room, whether it’s crying and being hysterical or acting calm and collected, or isolating themselves and avoiding everyone? Mary Ellen explains how these 3 examples are all considered the 3 attachment styles: anxious, secure, and avoidant. By going through each scenario in more depth and looking at the relationships of babies and mothers, we grow these attachment styles from birth and latch onto them throughout our lives. By being controlled with these unconscious stories that build up in our minds as infants, Mary Ellen explains how baby’s atta...2021-06-2317 min

OKAY-ISHHappy Pride Month!Celebrating Pride Month, Mary Ellen interviews friend Trevor, a licensed realtor from NY, to bring light on what it means to be a part of the LGBTQ community and their personal experience. Growing up in a small town with only one doctor and counselor, Trevor felt a lack of support and was only able to express his partial self in the theater arts program at school and through his parents and brother. With pressure being put on him on his way to college, Trevor visited therapists and grew the confidence he needed to fully express his sexuality in NY...2021-06-1624 min

OKAY-ISHWhat You Don't Know about AnxietyWe’ve all had the feeling of anxiety and feeling a sort of panic attack, but how does anxiety work and what’s the “cure”? Mary Ellen dives into this episode with hard facts in uncovering the truths of anxiety disorder and how not everyone can endure an anxiety disorder but have anxiety. As Mary Ellen’s goal is to bring to light the types of anxiety disorders, reminder to not go and diagnose yourself with any of these disorders as this is to inform and educate you not to therapize you. Going through generalized anxiety disorder, to phobias, agoraphobi...2021-06-0918 min

OKAY-ISHToxic PositivityWe’ve all tried to cheer someone up, but have you or a friend said something positive with no meaning behind it? Maryellen expresses how toxic positivity has grown in the past year from COVID and how it’s an inauthentic way of expressing our true emotions by minimizing them and acting fake. This can also be a form of gaslighting, questioning people’s thoughts and sense of reality by manipulation. Maryellen shows us examples of toxic positivity and how ignoring our emotions can damage not only ourselves but loved ones around us and gives us 5 ways to deal with t...2021-06-0216 min

OKAY-ISHThe Empath MythFollowing the trendy term “empath”, Maryellen shares her own scientific research and statistics on the word and how it’s a synonym to empathy, but in a narcissistic way. To start off, Maryellen exposes the term “empath” and how it originated from a Star Trek character who healed people’s pain by taking it as their own and how pop culture has turned it into a reality. As empathy is the ability to share feelings of another person and is the foundation of functioning in society and building relationships, there are different levels of assessing people’s feelings and recognizing pe...2021-05-2616 min

OKAY-ISHDefense MechanismsAt the show's 40 episode landmark, Maryellen discusses six common types of defense mechanisms we (and the people around us) use all the time. 1. Denial: by not accepting the painful truth we lie our way through the pain and eventually feed into these lies. 2. Repression: related to traumatic experiences, we push memories out of our unconscious to forget. 3. Projection: with families, couples, and friendships we blame our insecurities and mistakes on the ones we love as opposed to being held accountable. 4. Displacement: relating to the phrase “we hurt the people we love” we take...2021-05-1919 min

OKAY-ISHAll About TraumaTrigger Warning: This episode goes into depth on trauma and experiences of it so some information shared may be sensitive. In today’s episode, Maryellen talks about what trauma is by breaking down the process of saving information in the brain and how memories become traumatic. First things first, trauma and PTSD are not connected in the sense that you can experience traumatic events without PTSD. As both are serious topics, Maryellen explains how having a traumatic experience doesn’t mean you have PTSD as well as experiences are different for everyone. One person may share the same...2021-05-1220 min

OKAY-ISHBorderline Personality DisorderAs May is Borderline Disorder Awareness month, Maryellen breaks down the stigma of borderline personality disorder by guiding us through what it means to have this disorder, symptoms people may have, and giving us 4 tips on how we can help those around us who suffer from BPD. DO NO SELF DIAGNOSE! Everyone gets moody, but it doesn't mean you have BPD. BPD is defined as a rigid and enduring pattern of behavior that impairs life via extreme and dysfunctional personality traits. People with trauma or PTSD are more likely to have borderline personality disorder and can experience: ma...2021-05-0520 min

OKAY-ISHAlcoholism Awareness MonthTrigger warning: If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, please call NCADD at 1-800-622-2255 or SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 for assistance and information.As April is Alcohol Awareness Month, Maryellen dives into uncovering the dangers of alcohol addiction with statistics showing: 14.4 million Americans have an alcohol use disorder 2 billion people consume alcohol in the whole world 26% of Americans report binge drinking Although this episode highlights the dangers of alcohol, Maryellen provides 3 facts to help us understand alcohol and look at our relationship with alcohol: 1. Alcohol overdose and wit...2021-04-2818 min

OKAY-ISHSorry, Not SorryMaryellen covers the big S: sorry. She talks about the difference between saying sorry and apologizing, and gives 3 dos and 3 don'ts for a good apology.Have you ever heard people say “Sorry not sorry” or an insincere sorry? Well, join Maryellen’s crash course on diving into the word sorry and where sorry came from and distinguishing sorry vs. apologize. As sorry has been used by everyone of us, including celebrities, influencers, politicians, literally EVERYONE, over the past years it’s lost its sentimental meaning and has turned into a self empowerment or sarcastic word such as Demi Lovato s...2021-04-2117 min

OKAY-ISHEmotional Fitness with Karin GoldIntroducing Karin Gold, a licensed marriage and family therapist in California who runs and emotional fitness gym called Coa. Karin has been in the therapy field for 6-7 years. Her inspiration for becoming a therapist was her love of giving advice and getting to the nitty gritty of mental issues such as suicide, depression, anxiety, and so many more. With Coa, the goal of the emotional fitness gym is to make mental health as proactive and accessible as possible including physical fitness either by joining their 8 week series program or just meeting one on one with professional licensed therapists...2021-04-1425 min

OKAY-ISHStress Awareness MonthMaryellen dedicates an entire episode to stress for the first time. She talks about how reactive stress makes us, and how we opt for quick fixes in place of the lifestyle changes that bring real stress relief.April 2021 is Stress Awareness Month. Most people who reach out to schedule a therapy appointment do so because they’re stressed. We’re often very reactive to stress, feeling that next steps or relief need to come right now in the next few moments. Stress cleaning is another great example of this concept. Stress is a very powerful emotion that we will...2021-04-0716 min

OKAY-ISHBipolar AwarenessOpening with Bipolar Awareness Day, Maryellen articulates what it means to be Bipolar, and no it is not just being moody one minute and the next being completely normal. Diving into bipolar disorder, Maryellen distinguishes the two types of sicknesses as Bipolar 1 and Bipolar 2. With these two types of bipolar disorders, they relate in the sense of experiencing depression, but differ in being manic or hypomanic AKA having dangerously high levels of energy or moderate levels of energy for different periods of time. Now that we’ve covered the type kinds of bipolar disorder, how do we have a be...2021-03-3119 min

OKAY-ISHSuicidal IdeationTrigger Warning: If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal ideation, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. Available 24/7.For Teen Health Awareness Day, Maryellen gets down to the nitty gritty concept of suicide and shares the top 4 common motives as to why people commit suicide. Starting from the death seeker to death initiator, death darer, and death ignorer, Maryellen analyzes each influence of suicide and points out how mental heatlh disorders, especially stress, can also play a factor into committing suicide. With spotting out the common misconceptions of suicide, Maryellen...2021-03-2420 min

OKAY-ISHCOVID AnniversaryCongratulations! You just survived one year of COVID! After enduring all the stress and anxiety from COVID, Maryellen guides you through processing your traumatic memories with COVID and helps you see the brighter side of going into 2021. A year of COVID has caused everyone to at least have one or two dreadful memories and feel all the waves of emotions, but sit back and relax as the hard times are over. By following these 4 tips, you’ll be able to control your feelings, cope the way you think is best for you, and not let the COVID stress take ov...2021-03-1714 min

OKAY-ISHMental Illness in KidsMaryellen provides a 'crash course' overview on some childhood specific disorders to share what they can actually look like. Hint: it's different than what you might think.Visit chadd.org for ADHD resources.2021-03-1021 min

OKAY-ISHSelf Esteem Part 4First, a big announcement: Maryellen just released her new book, the It's Okay to be Okay-ish Journal. Check it out here!Obviously when talking about self esteem there had to be an episode about romantic relationships and how those impact self esteem. Learn about what high functioning relationships look like, what gaslighting means, and how to maintain self esteem no matter what your relationship is. If you are in a relationship involving financial, emotional, physical, or sexual abuse please call 1-800-799-SAFE for resources.2021-02-2420 min

OKAY-ISHSelf Esteem Part 3Maryellen talks with speaker, Dan Faill, all about self esteem in men, failure, and how he maintains his self esteem.2021-02-1730 min

OKAY-ISHSelf Esteem Part 2Maryellen dives into what's going WRONG when talking about self esteem and how to switch the self esteem conversations to positive things that will actually help us feel better! 2021-02-1015 min

OKAY-ISHSelf Esteem Part 1Self Esteem, Self Concept, Self Awareness, oh my! Maryellen kicks off 'boost self esteem month' by talking about what self esteem means, the difference between self esteem, self concept, and self awareness, and she gives two very important tricks to managing self esteem.2021-02-0315 min

OKAY-ISHWellness With DepressionMaryellen continues to chat about wellness but while talking about depression. Maryellen shares how you can actually be experiencing depression and continue to promote your own mental wellness at the same time!2021-01-2715 min

OKAY-ISHWe’re still in COVIDMaryellen continues to talk about wellness, but wellness during COVID, this never ending pandemic. Maryellen ties in ideas from past episodes and shared the top 3 tips for wellness in COVID 2021-01-2015 min

OKAY-ISHThe Dark Side of WellnessMaryellen challenges the mental wellness trend by pointing out how it can actually be dangerous for our mental health.2021-01-1316 min

OKAY-ISHIs This Manifesting Thing Worth It?Maryellen continues the conversation about new year’s goals and mindsets by diving in to the ever so popular fad of manifesting your goals.2021-01-0617 min

OKAY-ISHWhen New Year New You Isn't EnoughFINALLY, saying goodbye to dreadful 2020 and starting a new hopeful year in 2021! Well, almost hopeful. We’ve all heard or said the phrase “new year, new me” as we enter the new year with so many New Year's resolutions hoping to fulfill them, but why do we never follow through with them for the whole year? Maryellen expresses her dislike of New Years as there’s so much pressure on herself for the upcoming year for it to be perfect and “magical”. As COVID ruined 2020, based on a public survey 75% of people this year are making New Year's resolutions. Now, how do w...2020-12-3018 min

OKAY-ISHFeeling and Showing GratitudeIn this week's episode, Maryellen wraps up her family series by talking about gratitude and the many forms, mental processes, and genuine feelings we experience surrounding gratitude.2020-12-2316 min

OKAY-ISHAn Episode All About ... Family TriggersIn Episode 17, Maryellen discusses why the holidays are such a stressful time within family systems, how to recognize your own triggers, and lastly, how to manage being around family.TUNE IN! You'll want to take notes on this one.2020-12-0917 min

OKAY-ISHSurviving Family and Holidays Part 1Maryellen shares a bit of background on family systems and roles and how that contributes to ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’2020-12-0219 min

OKAY-ISHWhat's Right In Front of UsIn Episode 15, Maryellen looks at some of our concerns in a lighter way by showing how often, what’s best for us, is right in front of our faces!2020-11-2518 min

OKAY-ISHWhy it's Okay-ish to Experience 'Burn Out'In this episode of the OKAY-ish podcast, host and licensed mental health counselor Maryellen Dance talks all about burn out, and it's OKAY to experience this! 2020-11-1817 min

OKAY-ISHTherapy or Girl Talk?We all have those friends we can go to get helpful advice or vent, but at times we can feel that they’re going more into “therapy talk” than girl talk. In this episode, Maryellen shares the differences in talking to a friend and going to therapy. From Maryellen’s personal experience, the first thing to point out is therapy is not expensive girl talk. Yes, you may chat about the latest episode on the Bachelor or Bachelorette with your therapist, but Maryellen explains how this conversation topic is to build comfort and a connection with clients, not so much you...2020-11-1117 min

OKAY-ISHNever Tell a Woman She Looks Pregnant & Other Things Not to Say to PeopleIn this episode, Maryellen shares funny personal stories while educating how even positive things that we can say can hurt others struggling with eating disorders. Have a story of someone saying something uncomfortable to you with good intentions? Feel free to share it with @maryellendance on Instagram! Instagram:@maryellendance@daydreamernetwork 2020-11-0421 min

OKAY-ISHUnderstanding & Overcoming Trendy Therapy TermsMaryellen picks apart the trendy terms mindset and motivation to share what a positive mindset actually is and that it's more than just giving yourself a pep talk in the mirror every morning. Through doing this, Maryellen shares an overview of the differences between therapists and coaches, how some of those mindset hashtags can actually be detrimental, and how she overcame her own mindset to get a six pack (wait, she doesn't have a six pack, but she overcame her mindset to strive to get a six pack)! Instagram:@daydreamernetwork@maryellendance Website:...2020-10-2820 min

OKAY-ISHWhy Therapists Say What They SayMaryellen dives into what goes on in a therapist’s head by reviewing what therapist’s learn in school and what makes therapists say the things they say. Maryellen shares the secret that no matter what therapy, therapists want their clients to be Okay-ish 2020-10-2116 min

OKAY-ISHPsychoanalysis with Dr. Aimee MartinezTune in to episode 9 where Maryellen interviews her first guest, Dr. Aimee Martinez, a clinical associate in training to become a certified psychoanalyst. Dr. Martinez received her Master’s and Doctorate education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. In this episode, Maryellen and Dr. Martinez dive into psychoanalysis, what it is and who it can benefit. 2020-10-1427 min

OKAY-ISHThe Point of TherapyMaryellen reviews some client success stories, discusses the goals of therapy, and why starting therapy doesn't mean you'll be sitting in that chair every week for the rest of your life. Learn about some real life interesting clients becoming okay-ish.2020-10-0720 min

OKAY-ISHA Conversation About VulnerabilityJoin Maryellen for this super light hearted topic of vulnerability (ha!) Maryellen shares a bit about what vulnerability is, how therapist’s feel vulnerability, and how guess what, you can and should feel this scary emotion too.2020-09-2919 min

OKAY-ISHTranslating Therapy SpeakMaryellen dives into all the words and phrases that all therapists seem to use, why therapists use them, their real meanings, and why "therapist words" might actually be helpful.Instagram:@daydreamernetwork @maryellendance 2020-09-2220 min

OKAY-ISHThe Dreaded Episode All About Self CareMaryellen dives into what self care is versus what mental health is, because guess what, they're different. Maryellen leaves you with some tips to achieve self care that works for you and don't worry, there's no catchy inspirational quotes involved.2020-09-1518 min

OKAY-ISHHow I Accidentally Became A TherapistIn this episode, Maryellen shares a little bit about her history of how she became a therapist. She shows a more serious and stressful side of becoming a therapist, the judgments along the way, and why every therapist needs a therapist.Instagram:@maryellendance@daydreamernetwork 2020-09-0816 min

OKAY-ISHWhat I Wish My Clients KnewEver wonder what your therapist is thinking? Whether or not therapists think about you when you’re not around or maybe you wonder if they judge you to all their colleagues? Maryellen dives into things that most therapists wish everyone knew about what it’s like to be a therapist and what therapists are really thinking about (hint: it’s mostly what they’re having for dinner that night and nothing to do with you)2020-08-3121 min

OKAY-ISHThe Honest Truth Behind Finding a TherapistMaryellen shares what it’s like to find a therapist, why it’s seemingly more complicated than it should be, and how finding a therapist can often end in complete disaster! 2020-08-2520 min

OKAY-ISHTherapy Myths 101Maryellen introduces what Okay-Ish is all about and begins by sharing what therapy actually is. She delves into what you see in the movies versus what modern day therapy is using hilarious real life stories about people’s misconceptions on 'Therapy.’2020-08-1817 min