Therapy By Choice

SEASON 2 FINALE! Join me for this episode which is a part of the "In The Field" series where we speak with specialists and providers in the field of mental health who can offer insight, expert guidance and knowledge.  In the conclusion of this two-part episode, I continue my chat with Ken Kafele, BCBA, LEP. We'll chat about how learning differences and mental health affect students and how schools and families can support them. We also explore Afro-centered education and its role in empowering Black students through cultural identity and inclusive learning. And of course we'll play a round of Robyne’s Random Reflections! ABOUT KEN Ken Kafele is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst dedicated to empowering families, learners, and professionals through practical tools and strategies. As the founder of the Djed Institute of Learning, Mr. Kafele develops resources like the Djedi Arithmetic Workbook and the Behavior Bootcamp for Parents, blending clinical expertise with approachable, real-world solutions. With degrees psychology, education, and music; and a passion for accessible education, Mr. Kafele helps parents, educators, and learners feel confident, supported, and equipped to create lasting change. KEN'S CONTACT INFORMATION Djed Institute Of Learning YouTube Facebook RESOURCES Soluna Calm Parents Helping Parents  

Join me for this episode which is a part of the "In The Field" series where we speak with specialists and providers in the field of mental health who can offer insight, expert guidance and knowledge.  In part one of this powerful two-part episode, I chat with Ken Kafele, LEP, BCBA to explore how schools and families can support children’s mental health through early recognition, safe environments, and collaboration. We discuss the power of psychoeducation and tutoring to nurture both academic and emotional growth, and examine how anxiety, depression, and cultural factors shape kids’ well-being and success. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this conversation is packed with insight, empathy, and actionable guidance! Tune in next week for part two which is the Season 2 Finale where we explore how learning differences, academic support, and Afro-centered education work together to help every child thrive. And of course we'll play a round of Robyne’s Random Reflections! ABOUT KEN Ken Kafele is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst dedicated to empowering families, learners, and professionals through practical tools and strategies. As the founder of the Djed Institute of Learning, Mr. Kafele develops resources like the Djedi Arithmetic Workbook and the Behavior Bootcamp for Parents, blending clinical expertise with approachable, real-world solutions. With degrees psychology, education, and music; and a passion for accessible education, Mr. Kafele helps parents, educators, and learners feel confident, supported, and equipped to create lasting change. KEN'S CONTACT INFORMATION Djed Institute Of Learning YouTube Facebook RESOURCES Soluna Calm Parents Helping Parents

In this episode, we explore the four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized and how they influence our relationships. Through relatable examples, we break down each style’s strengths and challenges, offering practical tips for recognizing and shifting negative attachment patterns. Tune in to understand yourself better and build healthier, more balanced connections.

In this episode, we explore how coregulation can really change things. It's all about the emotional support we get when we spend time with others. Whether you're helping a friend feel better, comforting a child, or getting closer to a partner, find out how this easy but strong tool can boost emotional healing and strength. Check out how co-regulation works, the different kinds of co-regulation, and some easy, practical tips for using it in your relationships!

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10th, this special episode focuses on you! Join host Robyne Vance as she shares 10 practical, compassionate ways to care for your mental health whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just need a gentle reset. From setting healthy boundaries to reconnecting with joy, these tips are grounded in real therapeutic insight and designed to help you feel more balanced, present, and supported. Take some time to think, relax, and focus on your mental health. Because taking care of your mind is important every single day!

How do you suggest to someone you care about that they may benefit from therapy or that you have concerns about their mental health and well-being? In this episode, we talk about how to spot the signs, begin a caring conversation, establish healthy boundaries, and provide help without going too far. As always, we'll be presenting  practical advice, useful tips, and some reliable resources to help you through one of the toughest conversations. 

Join host Robyne Vance as we explore what it truly takes to protect your mental health amid the chaos of everyday life. In this episode, we dive into the many faces of adversity. From emotional and mental struggles to physical, financial, and social challenges. Discover how these obstacles impact us, and learn practical strategies to build real resilience when life gets tough.

In this warm and informative episode, we explore the fall season, famous for its beauty and everything pumpkin spice. We'll take a look at how this time of year can quietly affect our mental health. Join host Robyne Vance for a brief overview of the emotional changes that can happen during autumn. We'll discuss what to look out for and share helpful, research-backed tips to keep your mood steady as the days become shorter.

Join me for this episode which is a part of the "In The Field" series where we speak with specialists and providers in the field of mental health who can offer insight, expert guidance and knowledge.  In the conclusion of this two-part interview with Evelyn Ashiofu, MD, MPH, we’ll be discussing specific mental health conditions, hospitalization, pregnancy and post partum. Dr. Ev will also offer listeners helpful advice on what to expect from a psychiatry visit and more. We end our chat with a question from Robyne’s Random Reflections! ABOUT DR. EV Dr. Evelyn Ashiofu, warmly known as Dr. Ev, is a double board-certified adult and child psychiatrist, speaker, and founder of Girl, Choose You Inc., a mental health and wellness brand dedicated to helping women, especially high-achieving Black women, prioritize their mental health. Based in NYC, Dr. Evelyn is passionate about breaking stigma and making psychiatric care more accessible, relatable, and culturally competent. She’s also a rising content creator known for using social media to educate, inspire, and show the world what it really looks like to be a Black woman thriving in medicine and beyond. DR. EV’S CONTACT INFORMATION Instagram LinkedIn Tik Tok Threads  

Join me for this episode which is a part of the "In The Field" series where we speak with specialists and providers in the field of mental health who can offer insight, expert guidance and knowledge.  In this episode which is a two-part interview, I chat with Evelyn Ashiofu, MD, MPH. We will get to know Dr. Ev and her work as we'll be discussing information about the field of psychiatry...and dropping helpful gems along the way!  Tune in next week for part two where we’ll be discussing specific mental health conditions, hospitalization, pregnancy and post partum, and of course we'll play a round of Robyne’s Random Reflections! ABOUT DR. EV Dr. Evelyn Ashiofu, warmly known as Dr. Ev, is a double board-certified adult and child psychiatrist, speaker, and founder of Girl, Choose You Inc., a mental health and wellness brand dedicated to helping women, especially high-achieving Black women, prioritize their mental health. Based in NYC, Dr. Evelyn is passionate about breaking stigma and making psychiatric care more accessible, relatable, and culturally competent. She’s also a rising content creator known for using social media to educate, inspire, and show the world what it really looks like to be a Black woman thriving in medicine and beyond. DR. EV’S CONTACT INFORMATION Instagram LinkedIn Tik Tok Threads  

If you often feel tired or want to find more balance in your life, this episode is for you! Join me for this episode, where I will explore seven important types of rest: physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social, and spiritual. Discover why each type of rest is important for your mental health. Understand how not getting enough of certain kinds of rest can cause burnout, anxiety, and emotional tiredness. Learn helpful, practical tips and ideas to focus on restoring the areas where you feel the most drained. 

In this episode, I’m breaking down 12 common cognitive distortions (unhelpful thinking styles), providing examples of each, how to reframe them, and how therapy can help. I'll also give a scenario based pop quiz to help further illustrate each style. And as always, I'll present this topic in a simple, clear, and practical way.

Join your host Robyne Vance for this episode which is a part of the "In The Field" series where we talk to specialists and providers in the field of mental health who can offer insight, expert guidance and knowledge.  In this week's episode, I continue my chat with Richard Hanzy, PhD, PsyD, LMFT about mental health misinformation and social media. We'll be discussing how to spot misinformation, how to access reliable resources, and we'll play a round of Robyne’s Random Reflections! ABOUT DR. HANZY The Rev. Dr. Richard Hanzy, PsyD, PhD, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in multiple states. With more than fifteen years of clinical experience, he specializes in trauma-informed care, couples and family systems, and problem-solving therapy. A former 9/11 Air Force veteran, Dr. Hanzy combines the discipline and resilience of life & clinical experiences with a compassionate, client-centered approach to healing. Rooted in a faith-based framework, Dr. Hanzy integrates Control Mastery Theory and Contextual Family Therapy with spiritual principles, helping individuals and couples find meaning and strength even in their darkest moments. He is known for his warm rapport, gentle humor, and commitment to creating safe spaces where clients can name their pain, reclaim their voice, and discover new possibilities for growth. His work has been featured in regional behavioral health forums, and he regularly consults with churches and community organizations on trauma recovery and family wellness initiatives. Born and raised in Gibson, Louisiana, and shaped by his teenage years in Oakland, California, Dr. Hanzy brings a rich tapestry of cultural insight to his practice. He holds a PhD in Human Services, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and a Master’s in Theological Studies. Outside the therapy room, he is a devoted partner and father who loves fishing, teaching, and mentoring young professionals. When he is not writing or seeing clients, you will find him casting a line at dawn or sharing stories of hope and resilience over a good meal with family and friends. DR. HANZY’S CONTACT INFORMATION www.myfaithcs.org

Join your host Robyne Vance for this episode which is a part of the "In The Field" series where we talk to specialists and providers in the field of mental health who can offer insight, expert guidance and knowledge.  In this episode which is a two-part interview, we chat with Richard Hanzy, PhD, PsyD, LMFT. We will get to know Dr. Hanzy, his background and work and we will talk about mental health and mental illness and discuss the impact of misinformation and social media. Tune in next week for part two where we’ll be discussing how to spot misinformation, how to access reliable resources, and of course we'll play a round of Robyne’s Random Reflections! ABOUT DR. HANZY The Rev. Dr. Richard Hanzy, PsyD, PhD, LMFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in multiple states. With more than fifteen years of clinical experience, he specializes in trauma-informed care, couples and family systems, and problem-solving therapy. A former 9/11 Air Force veteran, Dr. Hanzy combines the discipline and resilience of life & clinical experiences with a compassionate, client-centered approach to healing. Rooted in a faith-based framework, Dr. Hanzy integrates Control Mastery Theory and Contextual Family Therapy with spiritual principles, helping individuals and couples find meaning and strength even in their darkest moments. He is known for his warm rapport, gentle humor, and commitment to creating safe spaces where clients can name their pain, reclaim their voice, and discover new possibilities for growth. His work has been featured in regional behavioral health forums, and he regularly consults with churches and community organizations on trauma recovery and family wellness initiatives. Born and raised in Gibson, Louisiana, and shaped by his teenage years in Oakland, California, Dr. Hanzy brings a rich tapestry of cultural insight to his practice. He holds a PhD in Human Services, a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, and a Master’s in Theological Studies. Outside the therapy room, he is a devoted partner and father who loves fishing, teaching, and mentoring young professionals. When he is not writing or seeing clients, you will find him casting a line at dawn or sharing stories of hope and resilience over a good meal with family and friends. DR. HANZY’S CONTACT INFORMATION www.myfaithcs.org

Join host Robyne Vance as she looks at the psychology behind why we grieve when a celebrity or public figure passes and offers easy to follow, practical advice on how to cope.

Join host Robyne Vance for the second half of this episode on facing uncertainty. We look at how getting therapeutic assistance can help you feel more grounded, and she provides simple, easy to understand and research backed-methods to help you manage and cope effectively.

Join host Robyne Vance for part one of two episodes that explore the true meaning of uncertain times and how they can have a detrimental effect on our mental health.  We look at how uncertainty affects the body and mind, whether it is in connection with everyday unpredictable events, personal changes, or global events.  Tune in next week when she explains how getting therapeutic assistance can help you feel more grounded, and provides simple, easy to understand and apply research backed-methods to help you manage and cope effectively.

Join your host, Robyne Vance as she delves into the familiar yet often unnoticed habit of avoiding tasks we find unpleasant. From procrastinating on everyday chores to ignoring emotional discomfort, avoidance can quietly shape our lives. She unpacks the psychology behind this behavior, explores why we fall into these patterns, and shares insight, practical advice and tips to break free from the cycle.

Join your host, Robyne Vance as she explores The Five Love Languages. She will provide information on the definition and importance of each love language and practical advice and tips on how to meet the needs of each love language.

Season 2 Premiere! Join your host Robyne Vance for this episode which is a part of the "In The Field" series where we talk to specialists and providers in the field of mental health who can offer insight, expert guidance and knowledge.  In this episode, we chat with Cathy Allen, MA, M.Ed, LPCC-S, about mental health challenges for people of color, with a focus on the black community. We discuss stigmas, inequality, and ways to approach mental health in marginalized groups. Cathy also participates in a round of "Robyne's Random Reflections."  ABOUT CATHY Cathy Allen is from Lexington, KY where she currently practices mental health therapy as a LPCC-S. She works with a variety of populations such as adolescents, addiction, couples, families, domestic violence, and individuals suffering from trauma, mental health concerns and personality disorders. She also holds a background in education were she taught both K-12 and higher education. Cathy has a passion for people, especially those who are hurting with no voice or those who feel forgotten. She finds it to be both an honor and privilege to be a part of someone's healing process.  CATHY’S CONTACT INFORMATION Psychology Today LinkedIn Facebook

Ever wonder why you may secretly (deep down) miss receiving an Easter basket? Join host Robyne Vance for this special BONUS episode where she'll discuss the emotional complexity behind not receiving an Easter basket and offers practical ways to cope. 

Join your host, Robyne Vance for the Season 1 Finale as she provides information on why communication is so important, gives breakdown of the four main styles of communication and offers easy to follow, practical advice on how to work towards an improved style of communication.  ***Season 2 coming in June 2025***

Join your host Robyne Vance for this episode which is a part of the "In The Field" series where we talk to specialists and providers in the field of mental health who can offer insight, expert guidance and knowledge.  In this episode, we chat with Jana Parker, LEP, ABSNP about her career as a licensed educational psychologist and her private practice, Mind by Design. She'll speak about the role and importance of evaluations for neurodevelopmental disorders and offer some advice to caregivers. Jana also participates in a round of "Robyne's Random Reflections."  ABOUT JANA Jana is a Licensed Educational Psychologist and the owner of Mind by Design, a multidisciplinary group practice in Campbell, California. Her team specializes in diagnosing and supporting children, teens, and young adults with educational and developmental challenges, as well as supporting their parents. Jana is also the host of the Empower LEP Podcast and the Empower LEP platform, where she mentors school psychologists transitioning into private practice. She is passionate about fostering sustainable, impactful careers while delivering exceptional care to clients. CONTACT INFORMATION www.themindbydesign.com www.empowerlep.com @themindbydesign @empowerlep (on FB and IG)

Join your host, Robyne Vance as she provides easy to follow, practical advice on how to find a talk therapist that is the right fit for your needs. She'll discuss practical considerations, what questions to ask and will offer some insider knowledge designed to maximize your search for finding someone who is "just right."

Join your host, Robyne Vance as she provides a breakdown of the most common types of mental health professionals there are and their roles. 

In this episode, we will be discussing reasons for seeking therapy, some signs it may be time to seek therapy and an overview of some of the features and options of individual, couples and family therapy.

Join host Robyne Vance for this episode which is a part of the "In The Field" series where we talk to specialists and providers in the field of mental health who can offer insight, expert guidance and knowledge.  In this episode, we chat with the owner and CEO of Therapy By Choice, Leah Elvitsky, LMFT about her background and journey to starting the practice. Leah also participates in a round of "Robyne's Random Reflections."  Leah started Therapy By Choice in December 2019 in Campbell, California with the hopes of establishing long term therapy for couples and individuals during major life transitions. Leah can be reached at [email protected] and works out of the office located in San Jose as well as our new office located in Palo Alto!

In this episode we discuss reasons for holiday stress and tips on navigating the holiday season with your mental health intact!

In this episode, the listener is introduced to the host for the Therapy By Choice podcast, Robyne Vance, AMFT.