July 18, 2025 • 28 mins
Ever caught yourself saying "What's wrong with you?" to yourself or others? That moment of awareness can be the beginning of profound personal transformation. Psychotherapist Ana Lopez-Madrano from The Peaceful Mind Factory joins us for a fascinating exploration of how our minds work and why understanding this "user manual" is essential for wellbeing.
Ana brings her unique perspective as a clinician who's practiced across multiple countries—from her birthplace in Peru to Spain and now Florida, where she's spent the last 15 years serving clients in both English and Spanish. With additional training in neuroscience, she offers rich insights into cognitive distortions—those automatic negative thought patterns that hijack our peace and distort our reality.
One powerful revelation: most of our stress doesn't come from what's happening right now. "We usually are not in stressful situations really at the present moment," Ana explains. "They are things that we trigger, usually recalling from the past or making assumptions about the future." Her practical mindfulness techniques showcase how simply engaging our senses can interrupt these harmful thought cycles and bring us back to the present—where we're usually quite safe.
The conversation busts open common therapy myths, particularly that therapy is only for those in crisis. Ana emphasizes that psychotherapy is for everyone seeking growth and self-understanding. "It's like having the option to receive a manual about how humans work," she points out. Understanding ourselves better inevitably improves how we relate to others, creating ripple effects of positive change.
Whether you're curious about mental health practices, struggling with relationship challenges, or simply looking to understand yourself better, Ana's compassionate, knowledge-rich approach offers valuable tools you can implement immediately. Listen now to discover how changing your relationship with your thoughts can transform your experience of life.
Give them a call at (786) 663-3983 or visit them on their website at https://thepeacefulmindfactory.com/. Give them a follow on instagram https://www.instagram.com/thepeacefulmindfactory/.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place
where local businesses andneighbors come together.
Here's your host, Jeremy Wolf.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Well, hello, hello, friends, family, wonderful
community.
We are back for another episodeof the Good Neighbor Podcast.
You know my mind is oftencluttered.
I don't know about you guys,but there's a lot going on up
here.
Our guest today, AnaLopez-Madrano, joins us from the
Peaceful Mind Factory, sohopefully she could calm down
(00:36):
all this noise that's bouncingaround in my head.
Ana, welcome to the show, Hi.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Jeremy, how are you?
Thank you for inviting me show.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Hi Jeremy, how are you?
Thank you for inviting me.
Oh, it is our pleasure.
And I know you're right down.
I believe you're right down theroad from us in Pembroke Pines,
so you're really a goodneighbor and we're happy to have
you on the show.
And I'm interested to learn allabout what you do at the
Peaceful Mind.
So why don't we start there?
Tell me a little bit about thePeaceful Mind, what you guys do,
your mission, what types ofservices you offer for the
(01:06):
community.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
Of course, I'm the clinical director and founder of
the Peaceful Mind Factory.
We are a psychotherapy practice.
It's based in Florida, even ifthe address is in Pueblo Pines,
but we provide services for thewhole state and we also serve
(01:28):
clients internationally and wefocus on helping people with
anxiety, depression, withrelationship issues, life you
can contact us and we do this inboth languages, english and
(01:49):
Spanish and our goal is to makemental health accessible and
really personal, so people feelunderstood and supported,
understood and supported.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Very interesting.
So you mentioned a word that Iheard before, but I don't really
know exactly what it is.
You mentioned psychotherapy.
Right, everybody's heard oftherapy.
Many people have heard ofpsychotherapy.
There's all these differenttypes of modalities within
therapy, out there.
What, specifically, ispsychotherapy?
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Yeah, therapy is a word that we use to provide
services of different type, likecan be physical therapy, speech
therapy, occupational therapydifferent type of therapies, but
psychotherapy is the one thatwe talk about the topic that
(02:44):
that person would like todevelop and understand.
So that is, psychotherapy istalk therapy.
We use different methods andstrategies and techniques and
it's related to psychology.
That's why the name.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
Okay, Very cool.
So before the show, youmentioned that you're from Peru
and I was saying that my lovelywife is also from Peru.
And the older I get I'm 40.
What am I?
45 now I forgot how old I am.
See, I told you I got a lot ofclutter up in my mind.
But the older I get, the moreaware I get and the more open I
(03:26):
am to increasing mycommunication skills and getting
better.
And I've been on a rocky roadfor a long time, mentally and
with the relationship andeverything, and I feel like I'm
on the precipice, like I'mgetting closer and closer.
But I feel like I couldactually use a little bit of
help here.
So I might just have to engagewith you.
(03:47):
After this and the fact thatyou're from Peru, my wife's from
Peru, this could potentially bea match made in heaven, so this
whole meeting could beserendipitous.
I'm interested to learn alittle bit more about your
professional journey that ledyou into this field, Are you?
I know for some they find theirway later in life.
(04:09):
Others they pursue theirpassion early on, from when
they're a child.
What does that look like foryou?
Is this something that you werealways fascinated by growing up
.
How did you end up where you'reat today?
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Yeah, I started this journey because I always have
been fascinated by the humanmind and the way that we connect
with ourselves and others.
But I began my career as apsychologist in Spain.
Then, because I was born inPeru, I also did my license in
(04:47):
Peru.
That's why we provideinternational services as a
company and because we have ateam in different countries,
Also now in Colombia.
And then some 15 years ago, Imoved to the US because my
husband was relocated from Spainand I had to reveal everything
(05:11):
from zero new licenses, newcommunities.
So it was a big challenge, butI need to be able to do it for
culturally sensitive bilingualtherapy.
That inspires me to create thepeaceful mind.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
So how long have you been here?
So you mentioned born in Peruto Spain.
How long have you been here inthe US, more specifically
locally here in the community inPembroke Pines?
Speaker 3 (05:44):
In the U US 15 years.
I arrived to Doral.
I was living in Doral forduring the first five years I
was working there with differentcompanies also, so to learn how
these type of services wereprovided in this country.
(06:09):
So I lived the first five yearsin Doral and then the following
10 years in Pembroke Pines.
So I'm 15 years here in the US,in Florida.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
Love it, love it here in the US, in Florida.
Love it, love it.
So many people out there, Ithink, have a resistance to the
idea of getting help, especiallythrough therapy.
Right, people, our egos oftenblind us and we especially if
(06:46):
it's something that deals withbeing vulnerable, right and
emotional, and even more so formen.
I know this is something likegoing back for me.
I was never open to any of thisand the older I get, the more
open I am to this.
What would we?
I want to speak to folks outthere that maybe are in that
position, that that are havingissues but are just reluctant to
actually reaching out for help,for professional help, and kind
(07:09):
of like bust some myths andmisconceptions that people have.
What would you say to somebodyout there like that that is very
skeptical or maybe notskeptical is the right word but
they're just resistant to goingto get help even though they're
dealing with these issues,whether it's anxiety,
relationship, because we're allhuman beings, we all have
problems, right.
We're out there to kind of pullthe veil down and say to them
(07:33):
it's okay to get help sometimeand to be vulnerable and to be
emotional.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Yes, the situation is that there is a big myth is
that therapy is only for peoplewho are broken or going through
a crisis.
The truth is that therapy isfor everyone.
It's a space to grow,understand yourself and make
(07:59):
your life more meaningful.
Another misconception can betherapists just listen.
Actually, we help, we guide, wechallenge each person and
support the people to create areal change.
Of course, that change isinternal, but we guide each
(08:20):
person, using their personalexperiences to help them and
guide them to do the changes.
Speaker 2 (08:30):
Yeah, challenging, helping people challenge certain
beliefs that they hold.
Because another thing that II'm so hyper aware now, another
thing that I'm noticing now morethan ever and I had this
conversation with my wife theother day is that many of the
beliefs that I hold in my headthat I truly I would die on the
(08:51):
sword because of some of thethings that I've thought in my
head, I'm coming to realize thatthey're not even true.
And what that's done is it'sopened again.
It's opened me up to being Iguess I don't know what the word
I'm looking for, but it's justit's opened me to be more, to
receive more and to be moreempathetic and just understand
(09:12):
other people's perspectives.
You know, last, last night I was, I did something silly, anna, I
don't even know what it was atthis point, but it was something
stupid, whatever and I foundmyself.
I walked into the kitchen and Itold myself I don't know if I
said it out loud, but Idefinitely said to myself what's
wrong with you?
And I immediately caught that,because I know that's not the
(09:34):
way you want to talk to yourself.
And one of the practices thatI've come across is, when you
recognize that is to stop andask yourself, hey, would I talk
to my children that way, or mywife that way?
And I asked myself thatquestion my children that way or
my wife that way?
And I asked myself that questionand the answer was, when I said
, would I talk to my children,my children, that way was that I
actually had said that to mychildren before.
(09:55):
Not always, but from time totime.
I've actually told them what'swrong with you, and not not in a
hateful or spiteful way.
Just again, these are my ownproblems that I'm mirroring off.
And it really hit me and thisgoes back to this idea of being
hyper aware right now Like notonly did I catch it myself, but
I also recognized in that momentthat that's something I've been
programming my own children for, and these are programs I've
(10:17):
been running on for since I'vebeen a child myself and I'm so
fortunate and so grateful to beaware enough to be able to catch
that.
And now, even just telling youthis story and telling everybody
the story now is reinforcingthis type, reinforcing to not
engage in this type of behavior,and it's this type of work that
I've been on that's just alsofascinated me with the human
(10:38):
mind and this whole progress thejourney that we're on.
I'm blown away by this topic,truly am.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
Yeah, blown away by this topic Truly am.
Yeah, we usually have someunhelpful or unhealthy thoughts.
We call them in psychology,cognitive distortions, cognitive
distortions.
Cognitive distortions are thattype of unhelpfulful thoughts
that lead.
You said that you need to cutthat right because you know,
(11:12):
because of your experience inlife, you know, that that can be
a trigger of other group ofnegative thoughts and then
behaviors right, like to saysomething to others or project
that or even treat yourself withmore self-criticism and that is
(11:33):
not a good way to lead, likeyour daily journey.
So we teach everybody about thecognitive distortions, identify
some reactions the emotionalreactions, physical reactions,
the thoughts, the behaviors.
(11:54):
It is the way that we connectwith others, things that we say
or avoid saying, things that wedo or avoid doing.
But in therapy you learn thattype of a cognitive distortions,
like a more professionally coldor that type of unhealthy
(12:14):
thoughts that will be triggersof all those group of reactions
that will never finish in a goodway.
So we teach everybody toidentify them and how to change
that, because they areconstantly with us and we can
identify them in ourselves andin others.
(12:36):
So to know how to deal withthem and cut them.
So avoid any negative reaction.
Speaker 2 (12:44):
So, on that topic, what are some useful tricks or
tips that you can give to ourlisteners that, again, maybe
they're not ready to get therapy, Maybe they're just they're
hearing this, they're havingproblems?
What are some tools or tricksthat you can use at home in the
moment, in your daily life, LikeI know, for me some of the
things that I do breath work ishuge.
(13:11):
Like breathing even just short,like if I'm stressed out and
I'm behind the desk, I'm havinga moment, like if I just get up
and take a minute and just dosome breathing or even some
exercise, things like that.
What are some things thatyou've found are very useful for
your patients and then just thegeneral public out there, to
help them kind of de-escalatewhen they get into a stressful
situation?
Speaker 3 (13:30):
Correct.
We usually are not in stressfulsituations really at the
present moment.
They are things that we trigger, usually recalling from the
past or making assumptions thatsomething that will be happening
in the future.
But in the present moment weare constantly in those times
(13:52):
and we trick our brain, or ourbrain trick us, because we react
like that.
Those things are happening inthat moment.
So something that I recommendis to use mindfulness, is to be
present in the moment and usingthe senses.
The present is the only timethat you can use your senses, so
(14:14):
touching something, describethat to yourself.
That's why breathing works.
Also because we need to focuson the breathing.
It's something that we usuallyusually do, so we focus on
breathing in and out and makethat self-description of
breathing, and that help us tobe focusing on the moment.
(14:35):
We are just safe breathing so ittouching is something that
helps describe that, somethingthat we can see with our side or
listening right to look and bemore open to describe the sounds
that we have on in oursurrounding, like, for example,
the ac.
But doing that, thosedescriptions, we disconnect from
(14:58):
that, the projection of theevents, that from the past and
the future that we are in havingthat moment.
So we avoid many triggers.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Yeah, yeah.
We're like when we get hijackedby negative thoughts, we're
like a dog chasing our tail.
We're so focused on that andall it really takes is just to
train your attention somewhereelse.
Like how many times this hashappened to me so many times
where I'm like so worried aboutsomething and I'm consumed by it
(15:30):
and then like I forget what itis that I'm worried about in
that moment, like it escapes me,and then I'm, like I get more
stressed out, trying to rememberwhat it was that I was worried
about, and I realize how comicalthe whole thing is.
And it's all about just whereI'm training my attention.
The world could be falling downaround you, not literally,
physically, but if you justfocus on something else, all
that shit goes away, exactly.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
Correct.
It's one trigger and we startwith one unhealthy perspective
and then we have many reactionsand we start having like a
tunnel vision about that, butthe thing is that a lot of
thoughts is starting to poppingup, so at the end, after some
minutes or some hours or days,we don't know which one was the
(16:19):
main trigger.
That's why it's important tocome to therapy to learn how we
work.
It's like having that, theoption to receive like a manual
about how the human work andknowing that we will know about
the others also so we can helpto guide others to have a better
(16:39):
experience, because at the end,we are connect.
We we need to uh, to connect.
We need to connect with othersand have communication in any
type.
So it's better to do that in apeaceful environment instead of
(17:02):
one that makes us feel alert andstress us out Without any need,
maybe because we are not inrisk usually.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
It's all about communication, and even if you
don't have another person tocommunicate to, you're still
communicating with yourself,right?
The stories that we tellourselves, the things we
reinforce in our own mind, areso powerful.
Probably the most importantthing, right, is how you talk to
yourself.
So it all starts from withinand that's how you show up to
(17:27):
others, you know outside.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
Exactly because we create our life, we create our
event.
If we are thinking aboutsomething, that's what we
project to our brains, so ourbrain reacts based on what we
are projecting.
So it's really important.
Thoughts are really important,but knowing how we work is
essential.
It's like you receive a devicebut you don't have any
(17:50):
instruction.
So you are trying to use thatwith experience, right, making
errors, mistakes, and we repeatthat.
But the thing is that we are socomplex and we have a lot of
things to explore in ourselves.
So imagine with others, that isanother level of system.
(18:13):
So having that information isreally important for everybody.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
A hundred percent.
So, anna, it is Friday.
Getting ready for the weekend.
Tell me, what do you gotplanned for the weekend?
What do you like to do for funwhen you're not working?
I usually would like to spendtime with my daughters.
How many daughters you got I?
Speaker 3 (18:38):
have two daughters how old Twenty-three?
She's also a biologist.
She's a biologist and she'sstudying to be a doctor, a
medical doctor, an MD, and theyoungest one is 12 years old and
she's starting seventh grade.
(19:00):
So they usually would like tospend time together, and when
they are not having any activitytogether, so my husband and I
would like to join them.
So I usually spend the timewith my family or reading,
(19:21):
learning new things.
I love to learn.
Speaker 2 (19:26):
You and me both.
Let me just tell you I was atNSU yesterday for a Chamber of
Commerce luncheon event thatthey had there and I was walking
around I was talking to acolleague and I said I wish I
could go back to college becausewhen I went to school, when I
was younger, I didn't study, Ididn't really study or learn
anything.
All I did was I had a sociallife and I partied and I had a
great time.
Mind you, study or learnanything, all I did was I had a
(19:47):
social life and I partied and Ihad a great time, mind you.
But now that I'm 45, like if Iwent back to college, all I
would do would be I'd be likethe most model student ever.
I'd be the one sitting in thefront of the class engaging with
the professor going homestudying.
Yeah, the older I get, the moreI love learning.
It's just part of the journey,exactly correct.
Speaker 3 (20:04):
Yeah, first, when I finished school, I started right
away.
After two weeks I startedstudying for MD and then I
switched to psychology and thenI went back to MD and because I
would like to make many thingsbut then at the end I finished
(20:24):
doing.
But then at the end I finishedstudying psychology and then I'm
a neuroscientist also.
Then, in pandemic, someonecontacted me a university
contacted me to refresh and dothe recertification for the
post-bacc for the basic sciencesfor us to continue studying for
(20:48):
as a medical doctor.
So I did that.
But then I returned topsychology.
So no, I said no, let me focuson on one career.
And then, yes, because I reallylike to know and continue
(21:10):
receiving education, constantlyhaving different certifications,
and I study by myself, right,self-study.
But yes, I'm always open tolearn not just about
neuroscience or psychology, butI want to know, and I really
(21:36):
enjoy to learn about othercommunities and different
traditions, to know about thehuman being, and that's
something that opened me a lotof curiosity, because I really
like to know.
I'm doing a PhD, I'm finishingmy thesis Good for you, yeah,
(22:04):
but I'm constantly doingsomething.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
I can tell Anna.
Speaker 3 (22:08):
Now, yeah, but I can tell, now I'm thinking that it's
the time to share the knowledge.
That's the transition that I'min during this.
I'm 43.
So I'm in this change now totry to educate others.
I'm also a professor in auniversity, so it's something
(22:34):
that I really like.
Speaker 2 (22:38):
So 23-year-old daughter and 12-year-old
daughter.
I have a 13-year-old daughterthat is going into her final
year of middle school.
Being that you've already beenthrough this movie before you
have an older daughter, Anywords of wisdom, any advice you
can give me as my daughterreally enters into those
formidable teen years?
Speaker 3 (22:58):
Yes, so my oldest daughter was so easy to manage.
So that's, that's a point for meI'm jealous yeah, exactly
mine's a handful no terrible 10years so, but it's something
that I I I always keep in mind,and especially now that I have
(23:23):
the the option to, to to guidemy youngest one that is 12 years
old.
So something that I think thatI can get from that knowledge
that I received from the oldestone is like we need to respect
that they are another person.
They must have experiences,good and bad, because that's
(23:46):
life we learn from.
The idea is to learn from thebad and repeat the good.
So I try to be a support, rightand be open to listen and no
judge.
Just give my recommendation,give my advice.
(24:07):
If that person is open toreceive it and to apply it, she
will do it.
I just offer my advice, but nosaying that it's the absolute
response or truth for everything, because I'm here also learning
, I'm living.
(24:28):
This is my only life.
So I'm just sharing myexperiences, based from my point
of view, and if that works forher and she can try, or
listening for her, what is theplan to that she is?
(24:51):
She would like to, to apply forthe daily life challenges.
Speaker 2 (24:56):
So yeah, so what?
What are the things that?
One of the things I've learnedin dealing with the kids is that
I mean, it's just not just kids.
This goes for pretty much anyform of communication with
another human being.
You can't, you can't tellpeople something and expect them
to just buy into it.
Right, you have to help themdiscover it on their own.
You have to ask them questionsto get them to open up, to get
(25:19):
them to acknowledge what it isyou're trying to communicate.
So the light bulb goes off intheir mind like oh wow, I never
thought about it like that.
And that's when it really setsin.
Not half the time you'retelling your kids this, that and
the other, and they're likethey're looking at you with this
blank face.
They're not listening.
It's just like in one ear outthe other ear.
So I've got a lot better athaving these types of
conversations.
It is a work in progress.
(25:41):
I like to say it is a work thatwill never be completed and I
will be working on it until theday I die.
I know that for sure.
So, anna, before we wrap uphere, why don't you tell our
listeners the best way toconnect with you?
Anybody out there that is goingthrough it that's having some
issues, remember, you're notbroken.
We're all human beings, we'reall flawed creatures and
sometimes we need help.
So for anybody out there thatis in that place, what's the
(26:11):
best way to reach out to connectwith you?
I know you mentioned youraddress earlier, but please give
us maybe your website, yourphone number, social media,
whatever you want to give out tolisteners so they can connect
with you, correct?
Speaker 3 (26:18):
We have a website that is
wwwthatpeacefulmindfactorycom.
Or.
They can email us also atthatpeacefulmindfactorycom.
Or they can email us also atthatpeacefulmindfactory at
emailcom, or call us, send atext message to 786-663-3983.
(26:39):
And we are also on Instagramand Facebook at that Peaceful
Mind Factory.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
Wonderful.
We will, of course, drop a linkin the description below to all
of your contact information sofolks can get more information
and learn more and reach out forhelp whenever it is needed.
Anna, thank you so much forjoining us.
It was a pleasure getting theopportunity to meet you, always
fascinated to learn about whatfolks are doing in the community
, and I really do appreciate thework that you are doing.
(27:07):
So thanks for being on the show.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
Thank you, jeremy, for having me with you today,
and you make me feel good toshare the information about the
Peaceful Mind Factory.
Speaker 2 (27:24):
Thanks, glad to hear it.
All right everyone.
Thank you so much for tuning inand we will catch you all next
time on the next episode of theGood Neighbor Podcast.
Everyone, take care, have awonderful day, stay blessed.
Speaker 1 (27:32):
Thanks for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast
Cooper City.
To nominate your favorite localbusiness to be featured on the
show, go to GNPCooperCitycom.
That's GNPCooperCitycom, orcall 954-231-3170.
This is the Good Neighbor Podcast, the place
where local businesses andneighbors come together.
Here's your host, Jeremy Wolf.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Well, hello, hello, friends, family, wonderful
community.
We are back for another episodeof the Good Neighbor Podcast.
You know my mind is oftencluttered.
I don't know about you guys,but there's a lot going on up
here.
Our guest today, AnaLopez-Madrano, joins us from the
Peaceful Mind Factory, sohopefully she could calm down
(00:36):
all this noise that's bouncingaround in my head.
Ana, welcome to the show, Hi.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Jeremy, how are you?
Thank you for inviting me show.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Hi Jeremy, how are you?
Thank you for inviting me.
Oh, it is our pleasure.
And I know you're right down.
I believe you're right down theroad from us in Pembroke Pines,
so you're really a goodneighbor and we're happy to have
you on the show.
And I'm interested to learn allabout what you do at the
Peaceful Mind.
So why don't we start there?
Tell me a little bit about thePeaceful Mind, what you guys do,
your mission, what types ofservices you offer for the
(01:06):
community.
Speaker 3 (01:07):
Of course, I'm the clinical director and founder of
the Peaceful Mind Factory.
We are a psychotherapy practice.
It's based in Florida, even ifthe address is in Pueblo Pines,
but we provide services for thewhole state and we also serve
(01:28):
clients internationally and wefocus on helping people with
anxiety, depression, withrelationship issues, life you
can contact us and we do this inboth languages, english and
(01:49):
Spanish and our goal is to makemental health accessible and
really personal, so people feelunderstood and supported,
understood and supported.
Speaker 2 (02:02):
Very interesting.
So you mentioned a word that Iheard before, but I don't really
know exactly what it is.
You mentioned psychotherapy.
Right, everybody's heard oftherapy.
Many people have heard ofpsychotherapy.
There's all these differenttypes of modalities within
therapy, out there.
What, specifically, ispsychotherapy?
Speaker 3 (02:24):
Yeah, therapy is a word that we use to provide
services of different type, likecan be physical therapy, speech
therapy, occupational therapydifferent type of therapies, but
psychotherapy is the one thatwe talk about the topic that
(02:44):
that person would like todevelop and understand.
So that is, psychotherapy istalk therapy.
We use different methods andstrategies and techniques and
it's related to psychology.
That's why the name.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
Okay, Very cool.
So before the show, youmentioned that you're from Peru
and I was saying that my lovelywife is also from Peru.
And the older I get I'm 40.
What am I?
45 now I forgot how old I am.
See, I told you I got a lot ofclutter up in my mind.
But the older I get, the moreaware I get and the more open I
(03:26):
am to increasing mycommunication skills and getting
better.
And I've been on a rocky roadfor a long time, mentally and
with the relationship andeverything, and I feel like I'm
on the precipice, like I'mgetting closer and closer.
But I feel like I couldactually use a little bit of
help here.
So I might just have to engagewith you.
(03:47):
After this and the fact thatyou're from Peru, my wife's from
Peru, this could potentially bea match made in heaven, so this
whole meeting could beserendipitous.
I'm interested to learn alittle bit more about your
professional journey that ledyou into this field, Are you?
I know for some they find theirway later in life.
(04:09):
Others they pursue theirpassion early on, from when
they're a child.
What does that look like foryou?
Is this something that you werealways fascinated by growing up
.
How did you end up where you'reat today?
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Yeah, I started this journey because I always have
been fascinated by the humanmind and the way that we connect
with ourselves and others.
But I began my career as apsychologist in Spain.
Then, because I was born inPeru, I also did my license in
(04:47):
Peru.
That's why we provideinternational services as a
company and because we have ateam in different countries,
Also now in Colombia.
And then some 15 years ago, Imoved to the US because my
husband was relocated from Spainand I had to reveal everything
(05:11):
from zero new licenses, newcommunities.
So it was a big challenge, butI need to be able to do it for
culturally sensitive bilingualtherapy.
That inspires me to create thepeaceful mind.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
So how long have you been here?
So you mentioned born in Peruto Spain.
How long have you been here inthe US, more specifically
locally here in the community inPembroke Pines?
Speaker 3 (05:44):
In the U US 15 years.
I arrived to Doral.
I was living in Doral forduring the first five years I
was working there with differentcompanies also, so to learn how
these type of services wereprovided in this country.
(06:09):
So I lived the first five yearsin Doral and then the following
10 years in Pembroke Pines.
So I'm 15 years here in the US,in Florida.
Speaker 2 (06:25):
Love it, love it here in the US, in Florida.
Love it, love it.
So many people out there, Ithink, have a resistance to the
idea of getting help, especiallythrough therapy.
Right, people, our egos oftenblind us and we especially if
(06:46):
it's something that deals withbeing vulnerable, right and
emotional, and even more so formen.
I know this is something likegoing back for me.
I was never open to any of thisand the older I get, the more
open I am to this.
What would we?
I want to speak to folks outthere that maybe are in that
position, that that are havingissues but are just reluctant to
actually reaching out for help,for professional help, and kind
(07:09):
of like bust some myths andmisconceptions that people have.
What would you say to somebodyout there like that that is very
skeptical or maybe notskeptical is the right word but
they're just resistant to goingto get help even though they're
dealing with these issues,whether it's anxiety,
relationship, because we're allhuman beings, we all have
problems, right.
We're out there to kind of pullthe veil down and say to them
(07:33):
it's okay to get help sometimeand to be vulnerable and to be
emotional.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
Yes, the situation is that there is a big myth is
that therapy is only for peoplewho are broken or going through
a crisis.
The truth is that therapy isfor everyone.
It's a space to grow,understand yourself and make
(07:59):
your life more meaningful.
Another misconception can betherapists just listen.
Actually, we help, we guide, wechallenge each person and
support the people to create areal change.
Of course, that change isinternal, but we guide each
(08:20):
person, using their personalexperiences to help them and
guide them to do the changes.
Speaker 2 (08:30):
Yeah, challenging, helping people challenge certain
beliefs that they hold.
Because another thing that II'm so hyper aware now, another
thing that I'm noticing now morethan ever and I had this
conversation with my wife theother day is that many of the
beliefs that I hold in my headthat I truly I would die on the
(08:51):
sword because of some of thethings that I've thought in my
head, I'm coming to realize thatthey're not even true.
And what that's done is it'sopened again.
It's opened me up to being Iguess I don't know what the word
I'm looking for, but it's justit's opened me to be more, to
receive more and to be moreempathetic and just understand
(09:12):
other people's perspectives.
You know, last, last night I was, I did something silly, anna, I
don't even know what it was atthis point, but it was something
stupid, whatever and I foundmyself.
I walked into the kitchen and Itold myself I don't know if I
said it out loud, but Idefinitely said to myself what's
wrong with you?
And I immediately caught that,because I know that's not the
(09:34):
way you want to talk to yourself.
And one of the practices thatI've come across is, when you
recognize that is to stop andask yourself, hey, would I talk
to my children that way, or mywife that way?
And I asked myself thatquestion my children that way or
my wife that way?
And I asked myself that questionand the answer was, when I said
, would I talk to my children,my children, that way was that I
actually had said that to mychildren before.
(09:55):
Not always, but from time totime.
I've actually told them what'swrong with you, and not not in a
hateful or spiteful way.
Just again, these are my ownproblems that I'm mirroring off.
And it really hit me and thisgoes back to this idea of being
hyper aware right now Like notonly did I catch it myself, but
I also recognized in that momentthat that's something I've been
programming my own children for, and these are programs I've
(10:17):
been running on for since I'vebeen a child myself and I'm so
fortunate and so grateful to beaware enough to be able to catch
that.
And now, even just telling youthis story and telling everybody
the story now is reinforcingthis type, reinforcing to not
engage in this type of behavior,and it's this type of work that
I've been on that's just alsofascinated me with the human
(10:38):
mind and this whole progress thejourney that we're on.
I'm blown away by this topic,truly am.
Speaker 3 (10:47):
Yeah, blown away by this topic Truly am.
Yeah, we usually have someunhelpful or unhealthy thoughts.
We call them in psychology,cognitive distortions, cognitive
distortions.
Cognitive distortions are thattype of unhelpfulful thoughts
that lead.
You said that you need to cutthat right because you know,
(11:12):
because of your experience inlife, you know, that that can be
a trigger of other group ofnegative thoughts and then
behaviors right, like to saysomething to others or project
that or even treat yourself withmore self-criticism and that is
(11:33):
not a good way to lead, likeyour daily journey.
So we teach everybody about thecognitive distortions, identify
some reactions the emotionalreactions, physical reactions,
the thoughts, the behaviors.
(11:54):
It is the way that we connectwith others, things that we say
or avoid saying, things that wedo or avoid doing.
But in therapy you learn thattype of a cognitive distortions,
like a more professionally coldor that type of unhealthy
(12:14):
thoughts that will be triggersof all those group of reactions
that will never finish in a goodway.
So we teach everybody toidentify them and how to change
that, because they areconstantly with us and we can
identify them in ourselves andin others.
(12:36):
So to know how to deal withthem and cut them.
So avoid any negative reaction.
Speaker 2 (12:44):
So, on that topic, what are some useful tricks or
tips that you can give to ourlisteners that, again, maybe
they're not ready to get therapy, Maybe they're just they're
hearing this, they're havingproblems?
What are some tools or tricksthat you can use at home in the
moment, in your daily life, LikeI know, for me some of the
things that I do breath work ishuge.
(13:11):
Like breathing even just short,like if I'm stressed out and
I'm behind the desk, I'm havinga moment, like if I just get up
and take a minute and just dosome breathing or even some
exercise, things like that.
What are some things thatyou've found are very useful for
your patients and then just thegeneral public out there, to
help them kind of de-escalatewhen they get into a stressful
situation?
Speaker 3 (13:30):
Correct.
We usually are not in stressfulsituations really at the
present moment.
They are things that we trigger, usually recalling from the
past or making assumptions thatsomething that will be happening
in the future.
But in the present moment weare constantly in those times
(13:52):
and we trick our brain, or ourbrain trick us, because we react
like that.
Those things are happening inthat moment.
So something that I recommendis to use mindfulness, is to be
present in the moment and usingthe senses.
The present is the only timethat you can use your senses, so
(14:14):
touching something, describethat to yourself.
That's why breathing works.
Also because we need to focuson the breathing.
It's something that we usuallyusually do, so we focus on
breathing in and out and makethat self-description of
breathing, and that help us tobe focusing on the moment.
(14:35):
We are just safe breathing so ittouching is something that
helps describe that, somethingthat we can see with our side or
listening right to look and bemore open to describe the sounds
that we have on in oursurrounding, like, for example,
the ac.
But doing that, thosedescriptions, we disconnect from
(14:58):
that, the projection of theevents, that from the past and
the future that we are in havingthat moment.
So we avoid many triggers.
Speaker 2 (15:09):
Yeah, yeah.
We're like when we get hijackedby negative thoughts, we're
like a dog chasing our tail.
We're so focused on that andall it really takes is just to
train your attention somewhereelse.
Like how many times this hashappened to me so many times
where I'm like so worried aboutsomething and I'm consumed by it
(15:30):
and then like I forget what itis that I'm worried about in
that moment, like it escapes me,and then I'm, like I get more
stressed out, trying to rememberwhat it was that I was worried
about, and I realize how comicalthe whole thing is.
And it's all about just whereI'm training my attention.
The world could be falling downaround you, not literally,
physically, but if you justfocus on something else, all
that shit goes away, exactly.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
Correct.
It's one trigger and we startwith one unhealthy perspective
and then we have many reactionsand we start having like a
tunnel vision about that, butthe thing is that a lot of
thoughts is starting to poppingup, so at the end, after some
minutes or some hours or days,we don't know which one was the
(16:19):
main trigger.
That's why it's important tocome to therapy to learn how we
work.
It's like having that, theoption to receive like a manual
about how the human work andknowing that we will know about
the others also so we can helpto guide others to have a better
(16:39):
experience, because at the end,we are connect.
We we need to uh, to connect.
We need to connect with othersand have communication in any
type.
So it's better to do that in apeaceful environment instead of
(17:02):
one that makes us feel alert andstress us out Without any need,
maybe because we are not inrisk usually.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
It's all about communication, and even if you
don't have another person tocommunicate to, you're still
communicating with yourself,right?
The stories that we tellourselves, the things we
reinforce in our own mind, areso powerful.
Probably the most importantthing, right, is how you talk to
yourself.
So it all starts from withinand that's how you show up to
(17:27):
others, you know outside.
Speaker 3 (17:30):
Exactly because we create our life, we create our
event.
If we are thinking aboutsomething, that's what we
project to our brains, so ourbrain reacts based on what we
are projecting.
So it's really important.
Thoughts are really important,but knowing how we work is
essential.
It's like you receive a devicebut you don't have any
(17:50):
instruction.
So you are trying to use thatwith experience, right, making
errors, mistakes, and we repeatthat.
But the thing is that we are socomplex and we have a lot of
things to explore in ourselves.
So imagine with others, that isanother level of system.
(18:13):
So having that information isreally important for everybody.
Speaker 2 (18:20):
A hundred percent.
So, anna, it is Friday.
Getting ready for the weekend.
Tell me, what do you gotplanned for the weekend?
What do you like to do for funwhen you're not working?
I usually would like to spendtime with my daughters.
How many daughters you got I?
Speaker 3 (18:38):
have two daughters how old Twenty-three?
She's also a biologist.
She's a biologist and she'sstudying to be a doctor, a
medical doctor, an MD, and theyoungest one is 12 years old and
she's starting seventh grade.
(19:00):
So they usually would like tospend time together, and when
they are not having any activitytogether, so my husband and I
would like to join them.
So I usually spend the timewith my family or reading,
(19:21):
learning new things.
I love to learn.
Speaker 2 (19:26):
You and me both.
Let me just tell you I was atNSU yesterday for a Chamber of
Commerce luncheon event thatthey had there and I was walking
around I was talking to acolleague and I said I wish I
could go back to college becausewhen I went to school, when I
was younger, I didn't study, Ididn't really study or learn
anything.
All I did was I had a sociallife and I partied and I had a
great time.
Mind you, study or learnanything, all I did was I had a
(19:47):
social life and I partied and Ihad a great time, mind you.
But now that I'm 45, like if Iwent back to college, all I
would do would be I'd be likethe most model student ever.
I'd be the one sitting in thefront of the class engaging with
the professor going homestudying.
Yeah, the older I get, the moreI love learning.
It's just part of the journey,exactly correct.
Speaker 3 (20:04):
Yeah, first, when I finished school, I started right
away.
After two weeks I startedstudying for MD and then I
switched to psychology and thenI went back to MD and because I
would like to make many thingsbut then at the end I finished
(20:24):
doing.
But then at the end I finishedstudying psychology and then I'm
a neuroscientist also.
Then, in pandemic, someonecontacted me a university
contacted me to refresh and dothe recertification for the
post-bacc for the basic sciencesfor us to continue studying for
(20:48):
as a medical doctor.
So I did that.
But then I returned topsychology.
So no, I said no, let me focuson on one career.
And then, yes, because I reallylike to know and continue
(21:10):
receiving education, constantlyhaving different certifications,
and I study by myself, right,self-study.
But yes, I'm always open tolearn not just about
neuroscience or psychology, butI want to know, and I really
(21:36):
enjoy to learn about othercommunities and different
traditions, to know about thehuman being, and that's
something that opened me a lotof curiosity, because I really
like to know.
I'm doing a PhD, I'm finishingmy thesis Good for you, yeah,
(22:04):
but I'm constantly doingsomething.
Speaker 2 (22:07):
I can tell Anna.
Speaker 3 (22:08):
Now, yeah, but I can tell, now I'm thinking that it's
the time to share the knowledge.
That's the transition that I'min during this.
I'm 43.
So I'm in this change now totry to educate others.
I'm also a professor in auniversity, so it's something
(22:34):
that I really like.
Speaker 2 (22:38):
So 23-year-old daughter and 12-year-old
daughter.
I have a 13-year-old daughterthat is going into her final
year of middle school.
Being that you've already beenthrough this movie before you
have an older daughter, Anywords of wisdom, any advice you
can give me as my daughterreally enters into those
formidable teen years?
Speaker 3 (22:58):
Yes, so my oldest daughter was so easy to manage.
So that's, that's a point for meI'm jealous yeah, exactly
mine's a handful no terrible 10years so, but it's something
that I I I always keep in mind,and especially now that I have
(23:23):
the the option to, to to guidemy youngest one that is 12 years
old.
So something that I think thatI can get from that knowledge
that I received from the oldestone is like we need to respect
that they are another person.
They must have experiences,good and bad, because that's
(23:46):
life we learn from.
The idea is to learn from thebad and repeat the good.
So I try to be a support, rightand be open to listen and no
judge.
Just give my recommendation,give my advice.
(24:07):
If that person is open toreceive it and to apply it, she
will do it.
I just offer my advice, but nosaying that it's the absolute
response or truth for everything, because I'm here also learning
, I'm living.
(24:28):
This is my only life.
So I'm just sharing myexperiences, based from my point
of view, and if that works forher and she can try, or
listening for her, what is theplan to that she is?
(24:51):
She would like to, to apply forthe daily life challenges.
Speaker 2 (24:56):
So yeah, so what?
What are the things that?
One of the things I've learnedin dealing with the kids is that
I mean, it's just not just kids.
This goes for pretty much anyform of communication with
another human being.
You can't, you can't tellpeople something and expect them
to just buy into it.
Right, you have to help themdiscover it on their own.
You have to ask them questionsto get them to open up, to get
(25:19):
them to acknowledge what it isyou're trying to communicate.
So the light bulb goes off intheir mind like oh wow, I never
thought about it like that.
And that's when it really setsin.
Not half the time you'retelling your kids this, that and
the other, and they're likethey're looking at you with this
blank face.
They're not listening.
It's just like in one ear outthe other ear.
So I've got a lot better athaving these types of
conversations.
It is a work in progress.
(25:41):
I like to say it is a work thatwill never be completed and I
will be working on it until theday I die.
I know that for sure.
So, anna, before we wrap uphere, why don't you tell our
listeners the best way toconnect with you?
Anybody out there that is goingthrough it that's having some
issues, remember, you're notbroken.
We're all human beings, we'reall flawed creatures and
sometimes we need help.
So for anybody out there thatis in that place, what's the
(26:11):
best way to reach out to connectwith you?
I know you mentioned youraddress earlier, but please give
us maybe your website, yourphone number, social media,
whatever you want to give out tolisteners so they can connect
with you, correct?
Speaker 3 (26:18):
We have a website that is
wwwthatpeacefulmindfactorycom.
Or.
They can email us also atthatpeacefulmindfactorycom.
Or they can email us also atthatpeacefulmindfactory at
emailcom, or call us, send atext message to 786-663-3983.
(26:39):
And we are also on Instagramand Facebook at that Peaceful
Mind Factory.
Speaker 2 (26:44):
Wonderful.
We will, of course, drop a linkin the description below to all
of your contact information sofolks can get more information
and learn more and reach out forhelp whenever it is needed.
Anna, thank you so much forjoining us.
It was a pleasure getting theopportunity to meet you, always
fascinated to learn about whatfolks are doing in the community
, and I really do appreciate thework that you are doing.
(27:07):
So thanks for being on the show.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
Thank you, jeremy, for having me with you today,
and you make me feel good toshare the information about the
Peaceful Mind Factory.
Speaker 2 (27:24):
Thanks, glad to hear it.
All right everyone.
Thank you so much for tuning inand we will catch you all next
time on the next episode of theGood Neighbor Podcast.
Everyone, take care, have awonderful day, stay blessed.
Speaker 1 (27:32):
Thanks for listening to the Good Neighbor Podcast
Cooper City.
To nominate your favorite localbusiness to be featured on the
show, go to GNPCooperCitycom.
That's GNPCooperCitycom, orcall 954-231-3170.
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