Receiving Critical Feedback

🎯 Receiving Critical Feedback

Receiving critical feedback can be challenging. We often get defensive or shut down, creating barriers in our relationships - even with those who genuinely care about our growth.

But here's the thing: processing feedback mindfully can transform these moments into opportunities for deep connection and personal growth!

Scroll through for supportive tips on handling critical feedback with grace and openness! ✨

Steven Avila (@nerdytalk_therapy) shares these insights from their Queer & Trans Accountability & Sensitivity Training for educators, as well as their therapeutic practices with their clients.

LGBTQ+ Mental Health: Hope for 2025

As we step into 2025, I want to acknowledge that this may be a challenging year for many in our LGBTQ+ community. With increasing political tensions and legislative battles, it's natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain about what lies ahead. 🌈

Know this: your feelings are valid, your existence is valuable, and your mental health matters. In times of societal pressure, it's crucial to:

📍 Set healthy boundaries

📍 Connect with affirming community members

📍 Practice radical self-care

📍 Seek support when needed

Remember, you don't have to navigate these challenges alone. Our practice remains a safe, affirming space where you can show up exactly as you are. Whether you need support processing emotions, developing coping strategies, or simply having a protected space to be yourself – we're here.

This year, let's commit to:

• Celebrating our authenticity

• Supporting one another

• Advocating for change

• Prioritizing mental wellness

If you're struggling, reach out. Your story matters, your journey matters, and there is hope and healing ahead. 💜

Happy New Year!

As we step into 2025, there's never been a more crucial time to prioritize self-care and mental wellness. With global events continuing to impact our daily lives, many of us are feeling the weight of uncertainty and stress more than ever before.

Why New Year's is the Perfect Time for Self-Care

The start of a new year provides a natural opportunity to pause, reflect, and set intentions for our well-being. It's not about making dramatic resolutions, but rather about making conscious choices to better care for ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Signs It Might Be Time to Seek Support

• Feeling overwhelmed more often than usual

• Changes in sleep or eating patterns

• Difficulty maintaining relationships or work responsibilities

• Persistent anxiety or sadness

• Trouble processing world events or personal challenges

How to Choose the Right Therapist

Finding the right therapist is a personal journey, but here are some key considerations to help guide your search:

• Verify Credentials: Ensure they're licensed and qualified to practice in your state

• Specialization Matters: Look for therapists who have experience with your specific concerns (anxiety, trauma, relationships, etc.)

• Consider Logistics: Think about practical factors like location, session costs, insurance coverage, and availability for virtual sessions

• Trust Your Gut: Many therapists offer initial consultations - use these to assess if you feel comfortable and understood

• Check Their Approach: Different therapists use different methods (CBT, psychodynamic, humanistic) - research what might work best for you

Taking the First Step

Remember that seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. It's an investment in yourself and your future well-being. As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, having professional support can make a significant difference in how we process and respond to life's challenges.

Resources to Get Started

• Psychology Today's Therapist Directory

• Your insurance provider's list of in-network mental health professionals

• Local mental health organizations

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) if available through your workplace

• Team Gather & Grow (Of course! We’re always here for you! Still feeling overwhelmed? Send us a note HERE and we’ll help you pick!)

Make 2025 the year you prioritize your mental health. Whether it's starting therapy, maintaining existing care, or simply being more mindful of your self-care practices, every step toward better mental health is a step worth taking.

Welcome Kat!

We are so excited to welcome Kat Sevilla to the Gather & Grow OC Family! Visit Kat’s profile page to learn more about her and to schedule HERE.

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A Letter from Kat

Hello, my name is Kat! I am an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor at Gather and Grow OC.

Prior to being a holistic therapist, I worked with the community college student population, providing support and guidance as they navigated their educational and career endeavors. I partnered with the Special Populations and Student Equity Program, and there I had the opportunity to support many diverse communities—First Generation students, Foster Youth, Dreamers, Special Educations and Disabilities, Current and Formerly Incarcerated, and LGBTQ+. It was there that I learned just how important emotional and mental health support is.

And so began my journey to you! As a first-generation Asian-American who identifies with the LGBTQ+ community, I believe in empowerment and agency against limiting beliefs and discourses. I believe that therapy is a sanctuary in which we can slow down safely without consequence, be curious about our lives, validate our past experiences and help us move to a preferred future. 

I value and acknowledge all of our own unique intersectionalities, and I thank you for reaching out and allowing me to be part of your self-care journey.

With healing,
Kat

Meet Nhu!

A Letter from Nhu

Hello There! My name is Nhu (She/Her) and I am a bilingual Associate Marriage and Family Therapist at Grow and Gather OC. 

These past few years have been a rough time. We have endured a pandemic that has shifted our lives, experienced the tragic stories surrounding the news about the passing of George Floyd and many others that share his similar story, and the increasing fear around school shootings. Some have experienced grief along the way while others are still trying to adjust to the aftereffect of our new normal (whatever that means). 

Before I continue, I want to say thank you for visiting our page. From seeing the countless horror stories on TikTok, finding a therapist can be discouraging and scary. I wonder what brings you here? I wonder what has guided you into taking that step now? With whatever reason that might be, I hope to provide you with connection and care. 

In my experience working with young adults that identify as POC and AAPIs who prefer to honor their cultural heritage in a western world, I have heard many stories about the barriers, shame, and deep sadness it can bring. Throughout our conversations, I am interested in asking you about the meaning that has shaped your experience. We can re-tell the stories that you have lived to create your preferred way of showing up in the world. For living. And for being a part of the community.

Hope to talk to you soon,

Nhu

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You can contact Nhu directly at (949) 407-9064 or nhu@gatherandgrowoc.com. View other therapist profiles HERE.

Jodie Shea Featured on Between 2 Clinicians Podcast!

Our Sex & Relationships Specialist, Jodie Shea, was featured on the Between 2 Clinicians podcast!

Jodie talks therapy, international living, and sweets with podcast host, Talia Bombola!

Check it out to learn more about Jodie, her practice Pillow Talk Therapy, and how she can help your sex and relationships thrive!