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Paula explores the challenges of summer break for youth, emphasizing that not all have the same opportunities, such as attending summer camps or traveling. She highlights the importance of routines that schools provide for emotional regulation, social interaction, and academic progress. Paula notes that the lack of structure can lead to increased anxiety, boredom, and sleep disruptions. She provides suggestions for supporting children during the break. Paula also addresses the impact of summer break on educators and school staff, urging them to focus on building relationships to help students transition back to school smoothly.

In this episode, you will hear:

+ challenges of summer break

+ importance of routines and structures

+ impact of lack of structure

+ summer slide and emotional challenges

+ balancing screen time and physical activity

+ creating predictable routines

+ supporting youth mental health

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Paula discusses collective healing, highlighting its importance in processing shared traumas and fostering community support. She emphasizes the role of mutual aid networks, healing circles, and community mutual care in breaking isolation and addressing systemic harm. Paula also stresses the significance of cultural reclamation and ancestral wisdom in healing processes. She encourages listeners to seek out collective healing practices/resources, noting that individual therapy isn't for everyone and urging listeners to reflect on their healing journeys and seek support when needed.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ understanding collective healing
+ systemic wounds and historical oppression
+ addressing systemic harm and reclaiming culture
+ healing circles and community mutual care
+ art and creativity in healing
+ core practices and group learning

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Paula explores the concept of collective effervescence and its roots in sociology. She emphasizes the importance of community, using the New York Knicks' championship win as a prime example. Paula highlights how shared joy and community events, like sports victories and concerts, foster a sense of belonging and reduce loneliness. She encourages listeners to reflect and explore ways to increase their own engagement and experiences of collective effervescence. Paula also shares strategies for building and maintaining community connections to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ collective effervescence and its importance
+ New York Knicks Championship and community impact
+ examples in action
+ strategies for cultivating collective effervescence

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During this episode, Paula breaks open the concept of sleep inertia, explaining it as a temporary state of grogginess and confusion experienced after waking up. She notes the time that sleep inertia can last, as well as the contributing factors that can extend it if one is sleep-deprived. Paula emphasizes that sleep inertia is a normal biological process and not a condition. She suggests strategies to mitigate it and also highlights the importance of recognizing sleep inertia's impact on daily life and safety.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ defining sleep inertia
+ symptoms and impact
+ normalization and common phrases
+ impact on daily life and safety
+ strategies to manage

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Paula discusses the impact of New York State's changing high school graduation requirements, specifically the phasing out of Regents exams by 2028. She highlights the emotional and academic pressures these exams impose on students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. She emphasizes the importance of respectful discussions and the need for support systems to help students navigate these changes. Paula outlines the new "Portrait of a Graduate" system, which will replace the Regents requirement for graduation with various demonstrations of learning, and stresses the need for community involvement and mental health support to address the broader systemic issues in education.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ impact of Regents exams on students
+ transition to Portrait of a Graduate
+ challenges and emotional impact
+ supporting students through change
+ educational equity and systemic pressures

Resources:

FAQ Related to NYS Graduation Measures Initiative:

https://www.nysed.gov/grad-measures/frequently-asked-questions-related-new-york-state-graduation-measures-initiative

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Rachael and Paula discuss the disruption in developmental milestones, increased anxiety, and OCD rates among youth associated with COVID-19. Rachel emphasized the need for a national conversation on these issues and highlighted her agency's efforts by hosting an upcoming conference: From Disruption to Integration. Rachel also shares personal experiences, strategies for resilience, healing, self-care, and community support.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ challenges faced by different age groups
+ parental struggles and coping mechanisms
+ role of tech and overstimulation
+ importance of community and support
+ planning for the future and resilience

Guest Bio:

Dr. Rachael Goren is co-owner and Director of Training and Outreach at Learning Solutions in Northampton, Massachusetts, and a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychological and neuropsychological assessment, training, and professional development. She holds a BA from Brandeis University in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies and Women’s Studies, an MPH from UMass Amherst, and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Antioch University New England. Her specialties include ADHD, giftedness/twice exceptionality, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, eating disorders, mood disorders, and women’s health across developmental stages. She has worked in schools, hospitals, and colleges, and is also a former educator and yoga instructor.

Contact/Socials:
Email: rgoren@learningsolutionsls.com
Facebook: Learning Solutions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learning.solutions.noho
Website: Learning Solutions, Northampton

Conference:
From Disruption to Integration: What COVID-10 Changed, What it Revealed and How We Build Resilience Together (Tickets)

Coupon Code: WDWTAT10

And for social workers, LMHCS, and psychologists- CEs are available!

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Paula explores the theme of social media exhaustion, including the emotional, mental, and practical exhaustion that comes from constant engagement with social platforms. Speaking from both her personal and professional experience, she unpacks how social media shifted from a more genuine connection to a performative, noisy, comparison-driven space.

She discusses how this fatigue goes beyond simple burnout, touching on self-worth, identity, overstimulation, etc. Paula also talks about the quiet cultural shift of people posting less, disappearing from platforms without announcements, and reclaiming privacy and presence.

In this episode, you will hear:

• from connection to obligation and comparison
• social media fatigue vs. burnout
• identity, audience, and performance
• mental health impacts of stepping back
• boundaries, breaks, and practical strategies

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Paula addresses some concerns new MSW graduates are navigating, emphasizing the importance of addressing imposter syndrome and negotiating for better job conditions. She highlights the value of internships and advocates for the "pay for placement" movement to combat unpaid labor. Paula discusses the overwhelm associated with choosing among available career paths/populations, including clinical, macro, school, and hospital roles, and stresses the need for liability insurance and appropriate supervision. She also addresses the impact and importance of addressing possible burnout, as well as the importance of mentorship and networking.

In this episode, you will hear:
+ addressing imposter syndrome and experiencing anxiety
+ value of internships and field placement/practicum
+ navigating the job market and career paths
+ addressing burnout and supervision support
+ strategies for overcoming job search challenges

Offerings:

DIY Resume Level Up - https://bit.ly/4uhQtpK

DFY Resume Level Up - https://bit.ly/3QDSXQA

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Got a topic you want explored on a future episode? Please email us at whydontwetalkaboutthispod@gmail.com