Podcast
Pragmatic Alchemy
Hosted by Courtney Edwards, MS, BCC · EN
Promoting wellbeing in every day life, the Pragmatic Alchemy podcast blends concepts of positive psychology and mindfulness with experts' insights to anyone seeking a better understanding of life's problems and how to move through them. Guided meditation, lessons in psychology, and guest perspectives align in answering the big questions of today. Listener submissions welcome!
Courtney Edwards, MS, BCC, is a former psychotherapist turned board certified coach. Her practice, Alchemy Coaching, lies in the heart of the Hudson Valley, NY.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
66. The Power of Acceptance in Healing (with Daniel Gospodarek, LCSW)
Feb 21, 202400:41:29Tap to summarize"We will all be hit with a level of adversity, and many listeners probably already have. How do we use that to fuel us and to inspire us to keep moving forward? How do we use that to find meaning in our lives, to find that energy so that we can continue forward.” We are so excited to welcome Daniel Gospodarek to the show! Daniel is a licensed certified social worker in private practice in Colorado, and he is also living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In this heartfelt conversation, Daniel shares his experience following a car accident that changed the course of his life forever. He shares the ways that accepting the truth of this new reality helped his own healing journey and the ways others can take a similar approach. Daniel is truly living alchemy every day, as he incorporates support and advocacy for the TBI community into his professional life. From our guest My name is Daniel Gospodarek, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Denver, Colorado. I sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) going into my senior year of high school that nearly took my life. This directed me to the 'helping profession.' My TBI needed immediate medical attention and I continue the recovery process to this day. I started my private practice which focuses on trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and TBIs to support and empower those who experience these challenges live the lives they desire. https://www.revitalizementalhealth.com/ IG: @revitalize_mentalhealth https://www.instagram.com/revitalize_mentalhealth/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069066712379
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65. Showing Up: How to Create Community with Carrie Allen
Feb 18, 202400:53:03Tap to summarizeThis amazing conversation with Carrie Allen explores the importance of community and the impact of capitalism, among other things, on our ability to form and maintain meaningful connections. In this episode, Carrie and Courtney discuss the importance of community and the challenges of building and maintaining connections in today's society. They explore the idea that community happens in inconvenience and that true community requires effort and support. They emphasize the simplicity of belonging and provide concrete steps for individuals to start building community in their lives. They also discuss the importance of consistency and finding the right fit for community engagement. The conversation highlights the power of curiosity in forging new friendships and concludes with a call to continue the journey of community. Takeaways Community happens in inconvenience and requires effort and support. Belonging is a simple yet essential aspect of community. Concrete steps to building community include identifying existing communities to participate in and taking small actions to connect with others. Consistency is key in building and maintaining community connections. Finding the right cadence for community engagement is important, as different communities have different cycles. Active participation and curiosity are essential in forging new friendships and connections. The journey of community is ongoing and requires continuous effort and learning. About our guestCarrie Allen is a visionary community builder and advocate, renowned for her transformative insights into the importance of genuine, interconnected communities. Drawing from her personal journey, she inspires us to remember the significance of true community and connections in various aspects of life, from parenthood to entrepreneurship to the core essence of being human. Her wisdom urges us to rethink our roles within communities, rediscover the magic of authentic connections, and actively foster empowering, uplifting environments. As the founder of The Human Array, Carrie brings over 20 years of community-building experience to create connected and conscious spaces for living, growing, and creating, where she empowers individuals to embrace authenticity and contribute to thriving, uplifting communities. Find Carrie online at The Human Array or on Instagram!
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64. Creating a Community of Care (with Alyssa Klenotich and Julie Olson Rand)
Dec 6, 202301:15:34Tap to summarize"Whenever we've talked about community of care, it's really been talking about how the systems have been built against us and how we're pushed to be independent, very productive. And “self-care” is a form of just putting a bandaid on yourself when that's really not a way to have longevity within any sort of field; especially in something where you're caring for other people.” We have arrived at our final episode of Season 3 and so we made sure to make it extra special! Courtney is joined by student affairs professionals Julie Olson Rand and Alyssa Klenotich to discuss all the ways #selfcare is a less effective strategy than a community of care. The timing of this feels especially relevant - the hectic pace of the holidays and the imminent arrival of “New Year’s Resolutions” (if you’re into those sorts of things!). As we move forward, Julie and Alyssa offer this perspective that shows us where true wellbeing, healing, and support can take root in our frazzled lives. About our guests: Julie Olson Rand (she/they) serves as the Associate Director for Access Programs at the University of Minnesota. Prior to beginning her role at the U of MN, she served as Director for Student Accessibility & Accommodations at St. Catherine University. Her previous experience includes over ten years as an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter and an educator in the ASL interpreting program at St. Catherine University, overseeing students during their internships. Julie is an alumni of the University of Minnesota, where she earned a B.A. and M.Ed. She also holds a post-baccalaureate certificate from St. Catherine University in ASL Interpreting. Julie currently serves on the Board of Directors for ThinkSelf, a Deaf-led non-profit serving the Deaf community with advocacy and education programs. In her free time, Julie enjoys making beaded jewelry and doing hot yoga. Julie lives in Minneapolis with her partner and three children. Check out her jewelry work at https://www.instagram.com/abel_and_jule/ Alyssa Klenotich (She/Her) serves as the Associate Director of Disability Services at Macalester College. She previously was introduced to Julie at St. Catherine University where she served as the Assistant Director of Student Accessibility and Accommodations. Prior, she received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Winona State and her masters degree in college counseling and student development from St. Cloud State University, which was rooted in helping skills with a lens of social justice. During that time she worked with students on academic warning and probation along with completing her thesis exploring students with disabilities experiences with faculty members. She currently lives in the suburbs of Minnesota with her two dogs. We will be taking a short break over the next few weeks to rest and finish prepping for Season 4! You can expect new episodes in January. In the meantime watch for some of your favorite and most listened to episodes during our Pragmatic Winter Replay. Contact the show at courtney@shineandsoar.com with guest suggestions, topic ideas, and other feedback. Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe wherever you are listening. Create YOUR community of care by sharing this episode!
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63. Rebel Therapy: Bringing Tarot + Astrology Into the Therapeutic Process (with Debbie Mediate, LCSW)
Nov 22, 202301:35:49Tap to summarize"It's medicine; it's an invitation into the medicine of expansion, contraction, but also where might you be invited into a different energy.” We are thrilled to offer this incredibly special episode! Courtney had the opportunity to sit with rebel therapist, Debbie Mediate, and explore the intersections, parallels, benefits, and compatibilities of Western psychotherapy and "woo" practices: in this case, specifically astrology and tarot. At the conclusion of this robust conversation, Debbie pulls out her deck and offers Courtney a tarot reading! You'll have to stay tuned to the postscript to find out the impact that reading had on Courtney's career explorations! From our guest: I have never had a sense of fitting in. I have always leaned into my love of adventure and rather impulsive nature. I am curious about most everything and love to explore my inner and outer worlds. Thus was the birth of my private practice, Rebel Therapy. My love of wisdom traditions and divination has been lifelong. What began as curiosity has, over the decades, become a deep knowledge and understanding of the power of tarot, astrology, and shamanic work to assist us with deepening our understanding of self. My own journey with these tools is an ever-present guide. I am, by education and training, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My career has taken me to both the west and east coast and has included working on acute inpatient psychiatric units, in residential facilities for folks living with schizophrenia, as a member of a mobile crisis team, and most recently as a psychotherapist for several private practice groups, an outpatient mental health clinic, and my own private practice. With my own private practice, I have clinical expertise in traditional modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed work, solution-focused therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, all offered with compassion and warmth in a safe and empowering environment. My passion for the metaphysical combined with my expertise and love of insight therapy brings me to this offering and a change to meet you on your journey to gaining and trusting your inner wisdom. You can find Debbie at the following places: Rebel Therapy: https://www.rebeltherapy.net Instagram: https://www.instagram.com › rebel_therapy Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/debbie-mediate-kingston-ny/848868 Listeners, you can always reach the show at courtney@shineandsoar.com! We'd love to hear from you. Please share with a friend and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you are listening!
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62. Journaling As a Tool for Wellbeing (with Lauren Remer, LMHC)
Nov 15, 202300:57:15Tap to summarize"Every time you journal, you're opening yourself up to more insight and information about yourself.” We are so excited to host Lauren Remer on the show! Lauren is a psychotherapist who integrates journaling, as well as mindfulness, meditation, and lunar cycles into her work with clients! This conversation is fun and fascinating and Lauren offers some practical techniques to listeners who are wondering how and whether to incorporate journaling into their own wellbeing practices! About our guest: Lauren Remer is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of New York in the Hudson Valley region where she resides with her family. Lauren has always valued a holistic approach to life and has been fascinated by the science of the interconnectedness of the world since childhood. This interconnectedness serves as a big source of imagination and creativity in her life. Lauren is an avid practitioner of mindfulness and healing practices, such as yoga, Reiki, meditation, breathwork, and journaling, and has expertise in person-centered, mindful, and trauma informed approaches in her work with others and clients. She offers individual counseling and guidance through her private practice that she runs out of her home. Lauren is defined by her sense of care and nurture. Home and hearth being the domain Lauren feels most comfortable in and is where she also stays home to care for her family and their pets as well as the local flora and fauna and a garden she and her son grow and tend together. You can find Lauren online: Psychology Today Page https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/lauren-remer-new-paltz-ny/781735 Social Media - Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lauren.remer.lmhc/ Bee Well Garden Podcast - Free Guided Meditations https://open.spotify.com/show/36B8mav1V20Q0LVgqcho7i We will see you back here next week for an all new episode! While Season 3 is winding down, we are excited to be working on Season 4! Send us your commentary, questions, and suggestions to courtney@shineandsoar.com! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you are listening and please share this episode with a friend!
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61. Acting Out: Healing Trauma Through Drama (with Natalie Gmora-Nyman, MA, LCAT, RDT, CCTP)
Nov 8, 202300:59:48Tap to summarize"If there's self judgment, it's gonna get in the way of our healing every step of the way. So if we can choose to believe that all behaviors make sense and all the ways that we are currently functioning make sense, we then can ask, well, why would it make sense? What is being reenacted in order for me to do something different this time now that I'm an adult and now that I am safe?” We are so excited to welcome Natalie Gmora-Nyman to the show! Natalie is a licensed creative arts therapist who utilized drama therapy to help individuals heal from trauma. In this episode Natalie and Courtney discuss the ways trauma shows up in the brain and the body and Natalie educates us on the efficacy of creative modalities in treatment. Themes of hope, play, curiosity, and creativity abound and the overall tone of this episode is optimistic and fun! About our guest: Natalie is a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist and a Registered Drama Therapist who specializes in working with interpersonal trauma. Since becoming a New York State Licensed Therapist in 2016, she has worked in a variety of clinical settings offering treatment that is developed for addressing sexual trauma, abuse, neglect, and domestic violence. Her treatment approach is integrative, active, and embodied. She facilitates a virtual therapy group for survivors of sexual trauma and also provides training to other clinicians on trauma therapy techniques. Natalie Gmora-Nyman, Creative Arts Therapist, Newburgh, NY, 12550 | Psychology Today Meet the Staff | Integrating the Self Join us again next week for a brand new episode! Don't forget to rate review and subscribe wherever you are listening and please share with a friend! You can reach the show at courtney@shineandsoar.com.
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60. Atomic Habits, by James Clear (Pragmatic Alchemy Book Club)
Nov 1, 202301:16:45Tap to summarize"Sometimes that fear of failure keeps you in the planning stage forever. And I'm so guilty of that, where I will sit there and plan and plan and plan and never actually take the action. That is such a struggle for me. And it's that fear of failure.” The Pragmatic Alchemy Book Club is back! And this month Courtney is joined by Mayde, Liana, and Karen to discuss Atomic Habits by James Clear. A highly useful, down to Earth approach to habit change, this book provides great strategies for finding ways small changes can produce big shifts in how you're living your life. If you've read the book we would love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments section wherever you're listening or on our social media feeds! Our last book club selection for 2023 is Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab. Reach out if you'd like to be included! You can contact the show at courtney@shineandsoar.com. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you are listening and share with a friend!
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59. Understanding High Sensitivity (with Karina Antonopoulos)
Oct 25, 202301:01:53Tap to summarize"My nervous system needs a break. And I've learned the only way to get that break is alone time. That's one of a highly sensitive person's basic needs. Just as we have to sleep, we have to eat, we have to hydrate. We need that deep connection and we need alone time." We are so pleased to welcome Karina Antonopoulos to the show! Karina is the founder of the Center for Highly Sensitive People in the Hudson Valley. This conversation covers many facets of being highly sensitive - including how it can impact our lives (in both challenging and wonderful ways!), how it shapes us as children and parents living with someone with high sensitivity, and ways we can befriend our sensitive selves with self-compassion! About our guest: Karina Antonopoulos is the founder of The Center for Highly Sensitive People in New Paltz, New York. She has been working as a Life Coach with Highly Sensitive People since 2014 and facilitates small and large group experiences to help educate people all over the world on what it really means to be a Highly Sensitive Person. She currently works 1:1 virtually with her private clients, facilitates CEU trainings for health professionals, hosts a bi-weekly in person HSP women’s talking circle, and is working towards completing her degree in Mental Health Counseling. Her clients struggle with making career transitions, communicating their needs in relationships, and nervous system regulation. She helps her clients develop confrontation skills so they don’t shut down when faced with a challenging interaction or person. You can listen to her meditation recordings on the Aura app and watch her High Sensation Seeking HSP video series on her Youtube channel. To learn more about Karina and her work with HSPs, listen to her podcast, The Highly Sensitive Leadership Podcast and join her Facebook Group, The Center for Highly Sensitive People. As always we'll be back with a brand new episode next week. Contact the show with questions, feedback, guest or topic suggestions at courtney@shineandsoar.com. Share with a friend and don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you are listening!
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58. Transitions: Traveling Through Divorce (with Linda Beezer, LMHC)
Oct 18, 202301:23:16Tap to summarize"I think a lot of it is really about intuition. Nothing in particular happened with me other than getting more and more unhappy. I am generally a good natured, glass half full kind of person. And I wasn't that way. I wasn't that happy go lucky person.” We are so excited to bring mom, psychotherapist, and women’s divorce group facilitator, Linda Beezer to the show! Linda is also a former student of Courtney’s, which may explain why this conversation feels like a cozy chat between two souls who have experienced the total-life-upheaval experience of divorce. Linda offers listeners insights into her own story alongside excellent clinical perspectives, such a the supportive roles of friends, family, therapists, and small groups such as the one she runs (link below!). This conversation also touches upon identity, grit, resilience, intuition, trust, and Courtney and Linda’s other shared experience — parenting kids with special needs! About our guest:Linda Beezer (she/her) aims to help clients clarify their goals, assist them in working through issues from their past that are impacting their present, explore their strengths, and to learn positive ways to cope when problems arise. Linda is experienced in and passionate about providing counseling for individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds who wish to create lasting change but are feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns. She has a warm and open therapeutic style, and approaches therapy from the belief that everyone longs to be seen and understood. From this perspective, Linda strives to understand clients' needs, and works collaboratively and with cultural sensitivity to establish a strong therapeutic alliance and to create a space where people can feel supported, heard, and cared for. By using a person-centered approach incorporating elements of evidence-based treatment, such as cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness, Linda works closely, supportively, and non-judgmentally with clients to aid them in becoming more comfortable in their own skin, more empowered, with less anxiety and worry, and with increased confidence and sense of self-worth. This allows for more fulfilling relationships, and to live life with a sense of purpose, peace, and joy. Linda has spent the past several decades advocating for services for individuals with developmental disabilities which will ultimately enhance the quality of their lives. Her volunteer experience includes having served on the Board of Directors for Crystal Run Village, Inc., an agency which provides services for empowerment of people with disabilities, as well as volunteer work with Cornell Cooperative Extension in conjunction with their Relatives as Parents Program. Linda received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from State University of New York at New Paltz. Learn more about Transitions: Women’s Divorce/Separation Support Group with Linda Beezer, LMHC here. More about Linda’s clinical work can be found here: https://maverickpsychotherapygroup.com/linda-beezer Linda's Psychology Today Profile Join us next week when we return with a brand new episode! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you are listening — and if you’re loving this content, please share it with a friend. They might love it, too!
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57. How Travel Shapes Our Worldview (with Kat Raynor, LMSW)
Oct 11, 202301:18:19Tap to summarize"Community is all about shared experiences, right? So travel has given me an ability to see things and find the way we have shared experiences and looked for the commonality as opposed to looking for the differences.” We are so excited to welcome Katherine Raynor, LMSW to the show! Kat is a social worker and college instructor, as well as a former Peace Corp volunteer. In this episode Kat talks with Courtney about the ways travel, and in particular exposure to other cultures and communities, shapes our world view! From our guest: I am a Licensed Social Worker who has lived and worked in the Hudson Valley for most of my life. As an alumni of the Concentration in Human Services at SUNY New Paltz, I am overjoyed to be teaching in a program that has given me so much. Most of my professional experience in the United States before returning to SUNY New Paltz is in the field of domestic violence, community development, youth development, and professional supervision. I also have an international background and strongly emphasize the importance of an international and multicultural perspective. I'm a dual citizen of the US and Venezuela, and have also lived in El Salvador and Malawi. During the episode, Kat mentioned some programs and organizations that are incredibly important to her. Please see the links below to learn more or to support! https://www.villagex.org/ https://www.peacecorps.gov/ https://www.wheretherebedragons.com/ https://learningservice.info/book/ Thanks for listening! Please rate, review, and subscribe wherever you are listening. We'll see you next week with a whole new episode!
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