The Nest Podcast and Blog
Listen up.
You can listen to my podcast on Spotify where I talk with special guests who are local therapists about creating the life, love, and relationships you want.
New episodes or blogs posted bi-weekly.
SZN. 4 Ep. 5/ Holiday Anxiety and Family Triggers
The holidays can heighten stress and anxiety, especially around family gatherings. Alexandria Gohla, MSW, LCSW, Ed.S, explains that unresolved family dynamics, old roles, and past trauma often trigger intense emotional responses during the season. Common stressors include conflict, financial pressure, and the expectation of “perfect” celebrations. Effective strategies for managing holiday anxiety include setting realistic expectations, establishing boundaries, using somatic coping tools, limiting alcohol and caffeine, focusing on small moments of joy, and creating an exit plan. By preparing mentally and practicing self-compassion, you can navigate family gatherings with greater calm and resilience.
SZN. 4 Ep. 1/ High Key Gifted, Low Key Exhausted: When Being Smart Feels Like Too Much
Being gifted doesn’t always mean feeling okay. Alexandria Gohla, MSW, LCSW, Ed.S, explores the challenges of twice-exceptional (2e) individuals—those who are highly capable but also face ADHD, anxiety, perfectionism, or other neurodiverse traits. The 2e experience often involves constant mental pressure, emotional intensity, burnout, and test or performance anxiety. Perfectionism, while appearing as motivation, often masks fear and self-criticism. Therapeutic approaches like DBT, CBT, and ACT can help manage stress, regulate emotions, and cultivate self-compassion. By prioritizing progress over perfection and using grounding and coping strategies, twice-exceptional individuals can honor their abilities while protecting their well-being.