Real Over Ideal

Vanessa Gorelkin

Function, not perfection. Hosted by occupational therapist and executive coach Vanessa Gorelkin, Real over Ideal cuts through the noise to bring you practical strategies for life in a stressful world.

  1. 11 DIC

    About the time I recorded with Kate Moryoussef of ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast

    Hello Listener: If you’re enjoying this show: Please don’t forget to subscribe, rate the podcast and share with friends. Thank you for listening, wherever you are, around the globe. In this episode, Vanessa discusses her recording with podcast host and author, Kate Moryoussef, for the December 18th, 2025 episode of the “ADHD Women's Wellbeing” podcast.  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adhd-womens-wellbeing-podcast/id1605386171 In that episode of the ADHD Women’s Well-being Podcast, Vanessa and Kate discuss the role of OT for ADHD, particularly for adults, insights about ADHD and neurodiversity, internal family systems, and dialectical behavioral therapy.  This episode of Real Over Ideal is a behind the scenes glimpse at Vanessa ‘s post-recording thoughts and an expansion/ preview (depending on when you are listening!) of some of the topics discussed on Kate’s podcast.  Watch for the episode on ADHD Women's Wellbeing Pod and remember to keep it real over ideal.  Thanks for listening! Please share the show with anyone who may enjoy it. We'd love it if you'd leave us a 5 star review wherever you're listening- it helps listeners find the show and we read every review. If you'd like to submit an "Untangle This" question, a comment, or an episode idea-- Email us: realoveridealpod@gmail.com Vanessa is available to consult professionally with individual clients. If you'd like to work with Vanessa , reach out here: https://vanessagorelkin.com/contact-us#12398ed6-3711-4e15-ae41-4711059fd6ab If you'd like to read about Vanessa's background, treatment perspective and techniques, or other handy information about her practice, check out her Psychology Today profile here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanessa-gorelkin-scottsdale-az/809467

    17 min
  2. 26 NOV

    Taylor Swift's 'Eldest Daughter' with Pam Moore

    Happy Thanksgiving, 2025 !  In honor of the day before Thanksgiving being a big travel day in the United States-- we're publishing a day early, in case it's a fun companion for your travels. No matter where in the world you are-- you're getting an extended episode this week. But our podcast is heard in 37 countries and counting, so let us say: we wish you great holiday if you're celebrating.  The focus of this episode is Taylor Swift's "Eldest Daughter," and we're referencing a great article from Pam Moore on the topic that you can read right here: https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/why-im-convinced-taylor-swifts-eldest-daughter-is-about-therapy-035952099.html More on the episode: Vanessa Gorelkin and friend of the podcast, special guest Pam Moore, delve into the themes of Taylor Swift's song "Eldest Daughter" through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. (Note: sending apologies to any serious audiophiles who find the sound to be imperfect on this episode. Putting together the tracks and snips of "Eldest Daughter" was a new, challenging ground. Thank you for your patience.) Here's what's up on this episode-- Pam and Vanessa are both trained Occupational Therapists with an eye towards mental health and wellness. They've each worked with clients on an individual and larger scale to enhance their understanding of their unique selves and how to optimize their life experience, even in the face of challenges. Who better to discuss some of the layers of the song, "Eldest Daughter," with all respect to the master of lyrical layers, Taylor Swift. Vanessa and Pam provide a basic description of the helpful therapeutic approach, Internal family systems, of which they are both admittedly big fans-- and they explore how the song reflects the concepts of "parts" work, self-energy, and the protective mechanisms we develop. The conversation touches on personal experiences, the symbolism in Swift's lyrics, and the broader implications of IFS in understanding oneself and relationships. Here's where to find Pam and her many creative offerings-- you won't be sorry! https://www.pam-moore.com/ Please let us know what you thought of the episode and if you'd like more like this one. Thanks for listening to the show-- we are so glad you are here.  Thanks for listening! Please share the show with anyone who may enjoy it. We'd love it if you'd leave us a 5 star review wherever you're listening- it helps listeners find the show and we read every review. If you'd like to submit an "Untangle This" question, a comment, or an episode idea-- Email us: realoveridealpod@gmail.com Vanessa is available to consult professionally with individual clients. If you'd like to work with Vanessa , reach out here: https://vanessagorelkin.com/contact-us#12398ed6-3711-4e15-ae41-4711059fd6ab If you'd like to read about Vanessa's background, treatment perspective and techniques, or other handy information about her practice, check out her Psychology Today profile here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanessa-gorelkin-scottsdale-az/809467

    48 min
  3. 20 NOV

    Good Vibes Brain Bank- Bank some Happy

    In this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa Gorelkin discusses the concept of a 'good vibes brain bank'—a mental space where individuals can deposit their small victories to combat negativity bias and enhance self-efficacy. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and celebrating minor accomplishments, which can significantly impact mental health and resilience. Through personal anecdotes and practical strategies, listeners are encouraged to build their own brain banks to foster a positive mindset and counteract self-doubt. Give yourself credit for small victories. A brain bank helps combat negativity bias. Small wins reinforce self-efficacy and momentum. Chores are meaningful activities that structure life. Banking successes can lead to greater motivation. Documenting achievements helps retrain your brain. Pick a format that works for you to track successes. Make deposits of small wins daily. Micro actions are essential for overall well-being. Building a brain bank honors your efforts. Thanks for listening! Please share the show with anyone who may enjoy it. We'd love it if you'd leave us a 5 star review wherever you're listening- it helps listeners find the show and we read every review. If you'd like to submit an "Untangle This" question, a comment, or an episode idea-- Email us: realoveridealpod@gmail.com Vanessa is available to consult professionally with individual clients. If you'd like to work with Vanessa , reach out here: https://vanessagorelkin.com/contact-us#12398ed6-3711-4e15-ae41-4711059fd6ab If you'd like to read about Vanessa's background, treatment perspective and techniques, or other handy information about her practice, check out her Psychology Today profile here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanessa-gorelkin-scottsdale-az/809467

    15 min
  4. 13 NOV

    Borderline Personality Disorder and the Internet Mob

    Join Vanessa Gorelkin as she delves into the complexities of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and the misconceptions surrounding it.  In this episode, Vanessa discusses the internet's tendency to mislabel emotional women as borderline and the impact of such stigmatization. She also offers practical advice for those overwhelmed by emotions, whether or not they have a BPD diagnosis. Here are links to the movies mentioned in this epiosde-- they're worth a watch! Fatal Attraction: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1007141-fatal_attraction Single White Female: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/single_white_female Key takeaways: The internet's role in mislabeling women with BPD.  The true definition and symptoms of borderline personality disorder.  The importance of dialectical behavioral therapy in treating BPD.  Practical tools for managing overwhelming emotions. #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #MentalHealthAwareness #RealOverIdeal Thanks for listening! Please share the show with anyone who may enjoy it. We'd love it if you'd leave us a 5 star review wherever you're listening- it helps listeners find the show and we read every review. If you'd like to submit an "Untangle This" question, a comment, or an episode idea-- Email us: realoveridealpod@gmail.com Vanessa is available to consult professionally with individual clients. If you'd like to work with Vanessa , reach out here: https://vanessagorelkin.com/contact-us#12398ed6-3711-4e15-ae41-4711059fd6ab If you'd like to read about Vanessa's background, treatment perspective and techniques, or other handy information about her practice, check out her Psychology Today profile here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanessa-gorelkin-scottsdale-az/809467

    15 min
  5. 6 NOV

    Accessibility Matters- Shame is so '87

    Hey Listeners — did you catch the title reference? It’s a line from a 1990's movie. Think you know it? Email me at realoveridealpod@gmail.com with your guess — or if you just can’t stand the suspense before I reveal it in a future episode. 😊 This week, I’m talking about accessibility at work — not as a checkbox or a charity gesture, but as a real engine for innovation and creativity. The idea came from my colleague Dr. Daniel Balva, who invited me to join a project highlighting the importance of accessibility in professional spaces. We dive into how designing for inclusion often sparks solutions that help everyone, and how shifting our mindset can turn “accommodations” into opportunities to grow smarter and more adaptive as organizations and as people. Thanks for listening! Please share the show with anyone who may enjoy it. We'd love it if you'd leave us a 5 star review wherever you're listening- it helps listeners find the show and we read every review. If you'd like to submit an "Untangle This" question, a comment, or an episode idea-- Email us: realoveridealpod@gmail.com Vanessa is available to consult professionally with individual clients. If you'd like to work with Vanessa , reach out here: https://vanessagorelkin.com/contact-us#12398ed6-3711-4e15-ae41-4711059fd6ab If you'd like to read about Vanessa's background, treatment perspective and techniques, or other handy information about her practice, check out her Psychology Today profile here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanessa-gorelkin-scottsdale-az/809467

    13 min

Trailer

Descrizione

Function, not perfection. Hosted by occupational therapist and executive coach Vanessa Gorelkin, Real over Ideal cuts through the noise to bring you practical strategies for life in a stressful world.

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