Episode 17: Exploring the Intersection of Dance & Therapy

Compassion and personal well-being can be learned in many different ways. This episode of the Infuse Compassion podcast is unique in many ways. First, we have two guests instead of one. Therapist and dancer Alex Tañón and dance instructor and choreographer Brandi Guild join us to share insights into the relationship between dance and mental health. In working together in dance, Brandi and Alex discovered lessons that apply in both dance and mental well being. Listen in as we talk about: • The power of working cooperatively with others without having to “people please.” • How to move past mistakes and focus on the next moment. • The importance of knowing when to lead and when to follow. This episode is also unique because it is the first time everyone is in the same room together. You’ll see and hear a different interaction than the virtual episodes we’ve recorded before. Even if you’re not a dancer, you’ll see the connections between this art form and our healthy interactions with other people. Alex Tañón is a licensed psychotherapist in private practice based in San Diego specializing in depression, anxiety, trauma, attachment, and LGBTQIA+ support. Alex helps clients transform challenges into growth opportunities by drawing from various therapeutic modalities, such as ACT, EMDR, positive psychology, and mindfulness techniques. His collaborative approach blends professional training with personal insights gained as a queer individual navigating his own mental health journey, creating a practice built on both specialized expertise and authentic understanding. With more than 12 years of experience in various dance styles, most recently West Coast Swing, Alex brings a uniquely creative dimension to therapeutic work by demonstrating how principles of rhythm, balance, connection, and expression serve as powerful metaphors for developing self-compassion, emotional regulation, and authentic relationships. Brandi Guild is a world-class West Coast Swing dancer, educator, and choreographer known for her technical precision, musical artistry, and unmatched ability to break down complex concepts with clarity. A seven-time UCWDC Masters World Champion and inductee into both the UCWDC and California Swing Dance Halls of Fame, Brandi has been a defining influence in the swing dance community for over two decades. She is a consistent finalist and frequent winner in the highly competitive Jack and Jill divisions—improvisational contests where dancers are randomly paired and judged on their ability to connect, interpret the music, and create spontaneously. Brandi’s continued success in these events is a testament to her adaptability, creativity, and deep understanding of partnership dynamics. Her journey into dance began after a collegiate athletic career as a scholarship softball pitcher. A spontaneous visit to a country-western club led her to fall in love with partner dancing—and within two years, she was winning national titles. Today, Brandi is an in-demand instructor known for her transformative workshops, progressive class series, and high-level intensives. She teaches both in-person and online, helping dancers at all levels unlock their potential through strong fundamentals, movement mechanics, and musical interpretation. Email: [e-mail] Website: https://alextanontherapy.com/ Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alex-tanon-san-diego-ca/1077533 Hello Alma profile: https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/alexander-tanon/ Website: BrandiGuild.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandiguild?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr