Sincerely Not Okay

Today's episode comes courtesy of MHA interns Michelle and Sydney - students at UCSB. For their capstone passion project, they sat down (virtually) with Juliet Betita an LMFT from our Acacia Isla Vista office.

Their conversation centers on the idea of self-love and self-healing. They touch on platonic and romantic relationships, how the pandemic and virtual communication has changed things and embarking on self-love journeys.

We are joined today by (soon to be Dr.) Quincy Guinadi for a conversation on the international student experience - both from a provider and student perspective. She shares the challenges and joys of studying psychology in a country far from where she grew up in Singapore. We also touch on common misconceptions international students face, her academic journey and dissertation subject, and the lack of research around international ...

Today's episode comes from special guest host Lauren Sugar! Lauren is one of Acacia's Mental Health Advocate interns and a student at UCLA. She is joined today by several of her fellow college students for a conversation on their experiences as students during these difficult times. They talk about coping skills they developed, challenges they faced interacting with professors and employers, and things that have given them ...

Kendra Snyder and Kayla Felten of Reclamation Collective join us on the podcast today for a very insightful conversation on mental health and religion. Reclamation Collective is an organization dedicated to holding space for folks navigating religious trauma, spiritual abuse, and reclamation.

Topics discussed include the impact of fundamentalism and indoctrination on thought patterns, red flags to look out for in organizations, to...

Acacia Westwood provider Mei Ling Acevedo, LCSW joins us for a conversation on the role race, identity, and culture play in the therapeutic process. She talks about how these factors can impact therapy both from a client and therapist standpoint and the importance of sensitivity and inclusion when interacting with clients. She also shares her journey in becoming a therapist, from her background as a stage manager to getting her mas...

Nick Koontz, LMFT joins us today on the podcast for a great discussion on the intersection of college athletics, masculinity, and mental health. Nick brings his expertise as a former student-athlete and current therapist for Acacia Telehealth/Reach. We talk about the connection to others that sports provide, get into an interesting conversation around toxic masculinity, how you can find identity through athletics.

Check out Nick&#...

We are joined by Angelle Maua, founder of the Gender Phluid Collective. The Gender Phluid collective is a San Diego-based organization dedicated to providing support, resources, and advocacy to the BIPOC LGBTQ+ communities.

Angelle founded the Gender Phuild Collective after her son's transition when she noticed the need for BIPOC safe, confidential brave spaces for support in LGBTQIA+ communities of color. Her work mai...

Can you love others without loving yourself? We are joined this week by Rudi Lion, LMFT for a conversation on self-kindness and internal reflection. Rudi (from Episode 14: Un/Healthy Relationships) shares her perspective as a therapist both at Acacia Isla Vista and in private practice. Tune in to learn how your relationship with yourself can impact others!

Resources mentioned:

Today we discuss the origins and mission of Acacia Roots with Director Andrea Deuring! Acacia Roots provides grants to help low-income students cover insurance co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles, or other financial barriers that prevent them from accessing much-needed services. We want to disrupt inequality and give individuals the tools they need to grow into the people they want to be!

Donate and learn more at acaciacw.com/ro...

What does it mean to exist as yourself within a pandemic? On this episode, we explore self-actualization, our anxieties, and how we are showing up - all while dealing with a very odd world around us. We are joined by Founder/CEO of the Mind + Body Initiative, Eike Daube, ACSW! Eike discusses her work as a wellness coach and the challenges she's experiencing working with clients through this time.

Check out the Mind +...

How do you go from promising that you will NEVER set foot in a gym to teaching fitness classes? Jamiah Bennett talks about her journey to loving herself and her body through fitness, her experience with mental health, and what it's like to graduate college during a global pandemic. Also discussed are tips for getting started with a movement routine, creators to follow online, and what colleges can do to better serve students in...

Jess Rodriguez, Chief Business Officer of Acacia, is taking over Sincerely, Not Okay for another episode of the Acacia Spotlight, where we highlight the clinicians, staff, and programs that make Acacia what it is today. Today we will be discussing the journey of Jonathan Truong, Acacia's Talent Acquisition Specialist and resident beacon of hope, perseverance, and sunshine! Check out our spotlights at acaciacw.com/blog and watch...

Acacia Reach is a video therapy service for college students and their surrounding communities! We offer weekly individual, couples, and psychiatry services wherever you need it. We are owned by dedicated therapists and psychologists, accept major insurances in California and Minnesota, and are accessible wherever you need us to be!

We strive to provide engaging and relatable providers, easy access to our services, and a community...