Barrie Sueskind, MFT

Did you know voting has mental health benefits? Civic duty serves your country, your community and you! And in most states, you can do it in your comfiest loungewear from the kitchen (or on the couch) while enjoying homemade avocado toast on that crusty-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside sourdough you’ve perfected Too many people have been othered, systemically oppressed and made to feel like their voices don’t matter for far too long. Participating in an electi...on (especially one where the stakes are so high) promotes a sense of empowerment. Take a stand on important issues to reclaim your voice because it absolutely does matter! It can be challenging to get informed about the issues and candidates when it comes to local offices, propositions and judgesespecially if you’re already feeling overwhelmed by, you know, this dumpster of a year. But the act of voting is actually a form of self-care. Like it or not, politics affect our wellbeing. So vote like your life, your liberties and the physical and mental health of your fellow Americans depend on it, because they actually do If you haven’t had a chance yet, find an hour or two to do a little research so you can make educated decisions that reflect your values. I consulted some trusted sources to help me make choices aligned with my commitment to the principles of empathy, human rights and social justice Don’t forget to pop your ballot in an official drop box, mail it in ASAP or make a plan to cast your vote at your local polling place on Election Day. November 3rd will be here before you know it. For more information on voting, go to @votedotorg @rockthevote or @whenweallvote. Make sure your vote is counted because you definitely count See more

Women belong in all places where decisions are being made - RBG May her memory be a revolution #vote Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a legend in her own time. I loved learning about her trailblazing life and work at the Notorious RBG exhibition last year. The second female Supreme Court justice shattered glass ceilings while fighting tirelessly for civil and LGBTQ rights and gender equality She also did push-ups and planks into her 80s. In many ways, the 5’1 dyna...mo was small but mighty She was underestimated and challenged at every turn. She could easily have been discouraged when asked, Why are you at Harvard Law School, taking the place of a man? or when she couldn’t find a job despite having served on both Harvard and Columbia’s law reviews and graduating first in her law school class. The discrimination she faced throughout her education and career pushed her to fight for equality for women and all who are oppressed On how she’d like to be remembered, she said: "Someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. And to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better through the use of whatever ability she has." She set out to leave the world better than she found it, serving as a shining example of the monumental difference one person can make RBG lived a truly meaningful life, leaving a legacy of empathy, integrity and justice for all. As much progress as she relentlessly championed, there’s still a long way to go. Quoting Martin Luther King, Jr. she said, The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice. But, she continued, it only bends that way if there is a steadfast commitment to see the task through to completion. Preach, queen! #vote2020 See more

Don’t forget: Beautiful sunsets need cloudy skies Paulo Coelho It’s World Suicide Prevention Day. Please don’t choose a permanent end to a temporary situation In times of distress, it can feel like the suffering will never end. As a society, we are in the midst of a scourge that has upended everything we thought we knew. Time spent with our families, the way we work and go to school, how we socialize and date, our freedom to travel, the in-person interactions w...e took for granted only a short time ago and our sense of personal safety have dramatically transformed. Many are facing financial instability and worry about an uncertain future. Social isolation and the loss of community are widespread and the natural disasters keep on coming. On top of all of that we are grappling with the pandemic of systemic racism weighing heavily on our collective consciousness Any additional stressors in our lives can make us feel like it’s all too much. Feeling overwhelmed is part of the human experience, especially right now. Moments of inspiration and joy are also part of the human experience but those can feel worlds away when you’re struggling If you are suffering, please reach out to a supportive friend or loved one. You are not alone. The simple act of talking to someone who cares can offer the comfort and hope you need to renew your faith in your own ability to handle the challenges you face. Therapy can be a valuable resource to process these unfathomable circumstances, help you recognize strengths you didn’t know you had and put effective strategies in place to move through this difficult season and prepare for a brighter future If you are thinking of ending your life, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255(TALK). You can also text HELLO to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 for confidential crisis support in the U.S. Please reach out for help. You have so many magnificent sunsets ahead If you’re worried about someone, take the time to check in. Ask how they’re really doing, let them know you care and encourage them to seek professional help if they could use the support. One person can make a powerful difference See more

If there were ever a time to think about starting therapy, this would be a good one... It was great to talk with Educational Therapists Rachel Kapp and Stephanie Pitts on the @learnsmarterpodcast about what to expect from therapy As we’ve seen over the last few months, we don’t know what life has in store for us. It can be really helpful to have a relationship with a therapist in place when the proverbial hits the fan. (Sometimes there’s just no better way to say it.)... If you aren’t already in therapy, all the self-reflection you’ve likely been doing lately could make this an ideal time to start I’ve been talking to people through phone and video sessions about the stress of quarantinehow to cope with anxiety and make the most of this break from our usual routine. In recent weeks there have been a lot of important conversations about racism, privilege and social justice. It’s gratifying to be part of the exploration and growth happening for so many of us right now If you’re interested in therapy but don’t know where to start, ask friends or doctors for referrals, call your insurance company for a list of providers or check out the therapist directory at @psych_today. Weekly therapy can be a significant expense (often within reach only for the privileged) which is why @socalcounselingcenter is such an amazing resource dedicated to providing affordable therapy to Angelenos, remotely for now. If you’re outside LA, look for a community counseling center near you Please don’t think of therapy as a luxury, especially if you’re struggling. Mental health should be a right, not a privilege. Make yours a priority and reach out if you could use the support To learn more about what to expect from therapy, you can listen to this episode of the Learn Smarter podcast recorded in April at the link below. Thanks, @kappedtherapy and @myedtherapist for having me on the show! https://learnsmarterpodcast.com/107-psychotherapy-expectat/

Racial injustice has been a centuries-long pandemic. But the cure is not yet to be discovered in a lab. It’s within usin all of our voices George Floyd’s senseless death still feels fresh and horrifying. I don’t know that I’ll ever fully process it. How do you process government-sanctioned murder on the basis of race? Systemic racism and privilege are not new concepts. I’ve been discussing them for years, trying to bring awareness to these issues in private conver...sations. That was easier than speaking out publicly, risking making people uncomfortable. Frankly, I worried I might alienate people or fail to find the right words and come under fire. I believed I was doing my part in my way. I realize now that was not enough Learning and growing are essential to a life well lived. I’m glad to be learning and growing along with so many of you, recognizing the importance of using our voices and our platforms to speak out against injustice In whatever small way it might help, I am standing up to be counted as an ally. I am one more voice speaking out against hatred and violence, demanding justice and change. Just like COVID-19 has disproportionately affected people of color due to income inequality and inadequate access to healthcare, so has the pandemic of police brutality ravaged them for centuries The lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and far too many others mattered. Black Lives Matter. This is not a movement that will be carried by a few loud voices. It will take all of us making it known that we will not tolerate the repeated targeting of Black and African Americans It’s time for long overdue change. Let’s have uncomfortable conversations, ask questions, examine our privilege and find ways to leave this world better than we found it. Let’s grieve these lives cut short and make it clear that justice is the new gold standard and we won’t settle for less . . . . . #blacklivesmatter #bethechange #georgefloyd #socialjustice #blm #ally #wemustdobetter See more

Therapy is as important now as ever. We are all feeling the effects of anxiety, isolation and confusion. A therapist can help you sort through your issues, put things in perspective and suggest coping strategies for managing stress and feelings of overwhelm. Read on to learn what to expect from teletherapy and how to find a therapist.

Life as we know it is upside down. How to stay healthy and calm in the midst of pandemic pandemonium? A few tips: Don’t overdo it on the news. Unless you’re designing public health policy, 20-30 minutes a day is enough to keep you up to date on the latest so you can help flatten the curve and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Try to curb the urge to check yourconstantly. Information overload will only make you feel powerless and panicked By the same tok...en, be conscious of how you’re using your social media. Yes, it’s a great way to stay connected but when your entire feed is about a deadly virus, it’s going to take a toll on your morale. I’ve taken a break the last few weeks and it’s been glorious! Prioritize your mental health. If you’re seeing a therapist, stick with it. If not, there’s no time like the present to start. Many therapists are offering and video sessions so you can process the impact of quarantine, social distancing and the threat of illness, on top of all the other issues you’ve been meaning to address. Call your insurance company for a list of in-network providers or search @psych_today’s therapist database Stay active! Hiking trails and public beaches are shut down here in LA and all over the world, but you can still go for walks (or runs) as long as you keep your distance from other people. There are also tons of free workouts on Instagram right now. I’m loving classes you can do in your living room from @carbon38 @toneitup and @katrinascott Meditate! Whether you‘re a veteran or a newbie, @oprah and @deepakchopra have a free meditation series called Hope in Uncertain Times available through @chopracenter Make sure you’re eating healthily and getting plenty of . @meditationchick is offering free/by donation Yoga Nidra through Zoom. You lie down in a state of semi-consciousness and emerge feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready for a restful night’s sleep. If you’ve never tried it, give yourself this gift If you’re feeling overwhelmed, put down your phone and take some deep breaths. Feel free to reach out. We will get through this together See more

needs no translation. It truly is the universal language I was so excited about this unexpected welcome to Tel Aviv, I had to pull a Tom Cruise and jump right up! What could be more beautiful than this picture-perfect view and a message of acceptance and support for all people, no matter who they love? ... In your communities, families, relationships and within yourselves, wishing everyone everywhere shalom and ahava See more

A little therapist humor But actually... A good therapist will help you identify your values and formulate goals. They’ll work with you to figure out how (and why) you’re standing in your own way, self-sabotaging or selling yourself short It’s what you do with those discoveries in between sessions that makes therapy effective (or not). To get different results you have to be willing to try thinking and acting differently ... Making constructive changes isn’t easy, but IMHO becoming your best self is the most important work you can do Don’t go to therapy expecting someone else to change you. Go when you’re ready to put in the effort to change and let your megawatt inner shine See more

Valentine’s Day or any day, quality time is my love language. Especially when there’s a potpourri of to share The 5 Love Languages are: *Words of Affirmation *Acts of Service ... *Gifts *Physical Touch *Quality Time Most of us have 1 or 2 love languages that make us feel especially close and connected. If yours don’t jump out from the list, take the quiz to learn more at 5lovelanguages.com. And if you’re in a relationship, take it with your partner The happiest couples learn to use one another’s preferred love languages to ensure they both feel the love. Communicating in people’s love languages can help you make friends and family feel extra special too What are your favorite ways to give and receive love? See more

You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously All celebrated artists are! Set perfection aside. Strive for passion and inspiration, and greatness will follow If you’re struggling internally like Vincent Van Gogh and so many talented yet tortured artists, please talk to someone. Mental health is an essential component of overall wellbeing. Get the help you need so you can discover all the unique gifts you have to offer the

Life is beautiful and fleeting. Make the most of the time you have because tomorrow is promised to no one Truth be told, I never fully grasped how sports could be a uniting force that brought people together so powerfully. I identified with Jerry Seinfeld’s bit about how fans are essentially rooting for laundry as the players who make up the team change. Kobe Bryant wore a Lakers jersey for his entire 20-year career but his legendary status transcends his uniform ... Hearing people pay tribute, watching videos and reading about Kobe this week, I am just starting to understand the profound impact he made on so many lives. Kobe’s dedication to being his best inspired people all over the world to channel his Mamba Mentality into pursuing greatness in their own lives with determination and focus None of us know how much time we have. Let the people you love know how you feel. Spend time on meaningful endeavors. Be your best. We all leave a legacy. What do you want yours to be? See more

So tonight we’re gonna party like it’s 1799 Raise a glass to freedom I stan for Lin-Manuel Miranda who created this brilliant, funny and incredibly moving musical about an immigrant who left an indelible mark on our country Using hip-hop and rap to tell the story and casting people of color to play historical figures who were mostly (shocker) old white men has resulted in an inclusive show that resonates with so many ... Alexander Hamilton had many flaws (workaholism, sex addiction?, anger management issues and a touch of narcissism to name a few) but he was driven to leave his country, and the world, better than he found them by speaking out against slavery and injustice This story is as relevant now as ever. Human rights are still not a given. Hamilton is an important reminder to rise up and help create the world we want to live in, in 2020 and beyond We’ll never be truly free until those in bondage have the same rights as you and me See more

Some thoughts on living consciously as we approach the new year Thanks to ReformJudaism.org for featuring my piece on how we can use the transition between years to check in with ourselves, take accountability and course correct as needed