Mental HEALTH Break With Dr. Nafisa Sekandari

Dr. Nafisa Sekandari
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Dr. Nafisa Sekandari’s Mental Health Break Podcast. Here we will cover a variety of mental health topics from Anxiety and Depression to interviews and talks. Some episodes are specifically made for the podcast, others come from live recordings of lectures and speaking engagements. Dr Nafisa Sekandari is a holistic and integrative clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety based disorders. Her podcast covers topics including the mental health crisis, anxiety, depression, the connection between food and mood, as well as natural and holistic treatment options for creating long term control of your anxiety….all while learning to prioritize your mental health. You will be empowered through having a deeper understanding of your mind in order to live your best life. This podcast will provide you with the practical tips and tools you need to help you take back control of your mental, physical, and emotional health. So take a moment to prioritize YOUR mental health.

  1. Healing at the Root: Self-Love, Subconscious Beliefs, and Real Health with JJ Flizanes

    FEB 12

    Healing at the Root: Self-Love, Subconscious Beliefs, and Real Health with JJ Flizanes

    Share your thoughts here! What if lasting health, confidence, and fulfilling relationships don’t come from quick fixes, but from healing at the root? In this powerful episode, I’m joined by JJ Flizanes, celebrity fitness trainer and transformation expert, to explore the deep connection between self-care, self-love, mindset, and sustainable health. This conversation challenges diet culture, weight-loss obsession, and the pressure to achieve a “perfect body,” while offering a more holistic and empowering approach to well-being. JJ shares why investing in your health now creates a healthier future—and why shortcuts like medication dependency and GLP-1 weight loss drugs can pull us away from addressing the true causes of imbalance. We discuss the dangers of focusing solely on weight loss instead of prioritizing metabolic, emotional, and mental health. We also dive into the law of attraction and subconscious beliefs, exploring how hidden programming can sabotage health goals, relationships, and long-term success. While many people are good at attracting what they desire, JJ explains why unresolved emotional patterns can make it difficult to sustain results—whether in health, love, or life. If you’re ready to move beyond surface-level solutions and create real, lasting change through mind–body healing, this episode is for you. Free Gifts for Listeners: JJ generously offers two free resources: Visit jjflizanes.com/mm and use code JJFREEDownload the Feelings & Needs List at jjflizanes.com/feelingslist🎧 Tune in to learn how self-love, conscious health choices, and mindset shifts can transform your body, your relationships, and your future. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    54 min
  2. Choosing Happiness Despite the Chaos: Healing Your Relationship With Yourself, Others, and God

    FEB 3

    Choosing Happiness Despite the Chaos: Healing Your Relationship With Yourself, Others, and God

    Share your thoughts here! February inside The Happiness Project is all about relationships, not just with others, but with yourself and with God. In a world that often feels heavy, uncertain, and filled with doom-and-gloom headlines, it can feel almost rebellious to choose happiness. Yet in this episode, I explore why choosing happiness is not denial or avoidance,  it’s a powerful, grounded response that actually makes us better humans. When we choose happiness intentionally: We become clearer thinkers and better problem solversWe act from compassion rather than reactivityWe respond with wisdom instead of anger, fear, or revengeWe strengthen our ability to stay connected, even when the world feels disconnectedThis episode invites you to reflect on:  ✨ Your relationship with yourself, the inner dialogue you live with every day  ✨ Your relationships with others,  how emotional regulation improves connection  ✨ Your relationship with God, trusting, surrendering, and choosing faith over fear Rather than getting stuck in outrage, resentment, or despair about the state of the world, choosing happiness allows us to stay mentally clear, emotionally grounded, and spiritually aligned, so we can actually contribute solutions rather than adding to the noise. If this theme resonates, I invite you to join The Happiness Project inside the private membership community, where we go deeper into these monthly themes together. Through reflection, community support, and monthly live calls, we practice choosing happiness in real life, not as a concept, but as a way of being. 👉 Join here:  https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project Choosing happiness doesn’t mean ignoring reality.  It means meeting reality with clarity, compassion, faith, and inner strength. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    12 min
  3. Energy Medicine for Healing: How Clearing & Decluttering Your Energy Creates a Healthier, Happier YOU

    JAN 31

    Energy Medicine for Healing: How Clearing & Decluttering Your Energy Creates a Healthier, Happier YOU

    Share your thoughts here! January is often seen as a time for fresh starts—but real change doesn’t happen through willpower alone. It happens when we clear stagnant energy, declutter what no longer serves us, and intentionally create space for healing. In this powerful and grounded conversation, I’m joined by Dr. Sarette Zecharia , a psychologist and an expert in energy medicine, to explore how energetic clutter...both internal and external...can block healing, increase stress, and keep us stuck in old patterns. We dive into how energy medicine supports emotional, mental, and physical healing, and why January is the perfect time to reset your energy for a healthier, happier year. This episode aligns with January’s theme of clearing, decluttering, and intentional renewal, helping you understand that decluttering isn’t just about your home, it’s about your nervous system, emotional body, and energetic field. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, emotionally heavy, or simply craving a deeper reset, this episode will help you reconnect with your body’s wisdom and create energetic space for what you truly want to call in this year. In this episode, we cover: What energy medicine is and how it supports holistic healingHow emotional and energetic clutter impacts your mental and physical healthThe connection between decluttering your space and clearing your energyWhy January is a powerful time for energetic resets and new beginningsHow stress, trauma, and burnout can get stored in the body’s energy systemSimple ways to begin clearing stagnant energy in your daily lifeCreating space for clarity, calm, and intention in the new yearThis conversation is especially meaningful if you’re ready to move beyond surface-level self-care and explore healing at the root...mind, body, and energy. ✨ If you’ve been feeling “off,” stuck, or heavy lately, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do about it. You can learn more about Dr. Zecharia by visiting her website:  https://www.drzecharia.com/ Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    56 min
  4. The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: My First Flight with a Psychiatric Service Dog

    JAN 29

    The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: My First Flight with a Psychiatric Service Dog

    Share your thoughts here! Traveling for the first time with a psychiatric service dog is a completely different experience than traveling alone — and it’s not something most people truly understand until they live it. In this episode, I share the real, unfiltered experience of flying for the first time with my trained psychiatric service dog: the good, the bad, and yes… the ugly. Even with a well-trained dog, I found myself navigating unexpected stress, worry, and emotional load — wondering how he would react to crowds, how others would respond to him, how he’d behave during the flight, and what it would be like once we arrived at the hotel. This episode is for anyone considering traveling with a psychiatric service dog, especially if it’s your first time flying together. We’ll cover: What a psychiatric service dog actually is (and how it differs from emotional support animals and pets)Airline expectations and legal access vs. real-world experiencesThe pros and cons of flying with a service dogEmotional and mental challenges that come with being visibly “different” in public spacesWhat surprised me most — both positively and negativelyPractical tips to make your first flight smoother and less stressfulThis isn’t about discouraging you — it’s about preparing you with clarity, compassion, and confidence. If you rely on a service dog for anxiety, PTSD, panic attacks, trauma, or emotional regulation, this episode will help you feel less alone and more empowered before you ever step into an airport. ✨ Whether you’re planning your first trip or simply curious about what this journey looks like, this episode is for you. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    15 min
  5. The Happiness Project Progress Report: What’s Working for My Mind, Mood & Motivation

    JAN 25

    The Happiness Project Progress Report: What’s Working for My Mind, Mood & Motivation

    Share your thoughts here! This month inside The Happiness Project, I’m sharing the small but powerful changes I’ve been making that are shifting my energy....from the inside out and all around me. I start with something simple yet transformative: decluttering. Clearing physical space in my home has been helping me clear mental space too. I talk about how creating more order, intention, and beauty in my environment has subtly improved my mood, focus, and overall sense of calm, and why your surroundings matter more than you think when it comes to emotional well-being. But this month wasn’t just about creating comfort, but it was also about expanding my comfort zone. I took a big leap by flying solo across the country to attend Podfest 2026 in Orlando, Florida, a conference I had never been to before, and I did it with my dog for the first time.  Let’s just say… it was a learning experience to say the least. From navigating airports with a pup, to managing nerves, logistics, and expectations, this trip stretched me in the best ways and gave me new confidence in what I’m capable of. One of the biggest lessons? Take the chance....even when it feels small. I almost didn’t enter the contest for free Podfest tickets… but I did, and I actually won. That single decision opened the door to an experience filled with incredible people, meaningful conversations, and so much learning and inspiration. I’m excited to share that many of the amazing people I met there will be joining me on future episodes for powerful conversations around growth, creativity, mental wellness, and building aligned success. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How decluttering is improving my energy, clarity, and emotional stateWhy your environment plays a key role in your mental healthWhat it was really like flying solo cross-country with my dogThe courage it takes to say yes to new experiencesHow a simple contest entry turned into a major opportunityWhy expanding your comfort zone is essential for happiness and growthIf you’ve been craving more calm, clarity, or courage in your own life, this episode is your reminder that small shifts can create powerful momentum. ✨ Tune in, reflect, and maybe take one small brave step of your own this week. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    12 min
  6. Clearing Space: A January Reset for Your Nervous System

    JAN 9

    Clearing Space: A January Reset for Your Nervous System

    Share your thoughts here! January isn’t about doing more—it’s about clearing what’s weighing you down.  In this episode, we kick off the January theme of the Happiness Project by focusing on clearing physical, mental, and energetic clutter so your nervous system can finally exhale. We talk about why goals and resolutions often fall short, how decluttering even one space (especially your closet) can dramatically improve mood and brain function, and how energy medicine tools like tapping and EMDR help release what’s been stuck.  We also explore mental decluttering—stepping back from negative news, gossip, scrolling rabbit holes, and emotionally charged content that fuels anxiety. If you wake up with morning angst or a racing mind, this episode dives into why that happens and how journaling before bed, slow mornings, and being more intentional with your attention can change everything.  ✨ Join us inside the private Happiness Project community for our upcoming live session, where we’ll go deeper, practice together, and support one another in real time. It’s just $10/month, no obligation, and you can cancel anytime.  This isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating space for more calm, clarity, and happiness. Let’s do it together. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    20 min
  7. Stress Less, Save More: The Mental Health Benefits of Financial Planning

    11/04/2024

    Stress Less, Save More: The Mental Health Benefits of Financial Planning

    Share your thoughts here! Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode of the Mental Health Break Podcast, we dive deep into the crucial link between financial literacy and mental well-being. Join us as we welcome Julie Murphy, a renowned CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and the visionary founder and CEO of JMC Wealth Management, Inc. Julie brings over 25 years of expertise in the financial services industry and introduces us to her distinctive approach to financial planning that aims to alleviate financial stress and anxiety. Guest Bio: Julie Murphy is a Chicago-based financial expert with an impressive educational background, holding a BS in Finance from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and an MBA from The University of Notre Dame. Throughout her career, Julie and her dedicated team have successfully helped thousands of clients both in the U.S. and abroad to navigate the complexities of financial planning.  Unlike traditional financial planners, Julie delves into the personal relationship individuals have with their assets. Her innovative program, PACT (Picturing Yourself, Accepting Reality and Awakening, Choosing to Change, Taking Action),  has been a transformative journey for many, helping clients not only manage their finances but also achieve a more harmonious and balanced life. Key Topics Covered: The vital role of financial literacy in maintaining mental health and reducing anxiety.Understanding and improving your relationship with money and assets.An introduction to Julie Murphy’s PACT program and how it transforms financial planning.Practical steps to take control of your financial future and enhance your quality of life. Tune In: Gain valuable insights from Julie Murphy's extensive experience and expertise as she shares practical strategies to empower you to achieve financial peace of mind. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how you can reduce financial stress and build a more secure and fulfilling life. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    50 min
  8. Overcoming Tragedy: Journey from Grief to Empowerment

    10/09/2024

    Overcoming Tragedy: Journey from Grief to Empowerment

    Share your thoughts here! Join us for a compelling episode as we dive into the incredible life journey of Judy Thureson, a remarkable individual who has transformed personal tragedy into a powerful mission to help others. This episode promises to be a beacon of hope and inspiration, exploring how Judy's experiences have shaped her into a beacon of guidance for many. Key Highlights: A Genuine Desire to Empower: Judy Thureson has dedicated her life to helping people live authentically and unlock their true potential. As a High-Performance Mindset Coach, she specializes in subconscious reprogramming and is a renowned Grief and Trauma Expert.Impactful Healing and Growth: With over a decade of experience, Judy has transformed the mental, physical, and spiritual health of thousands. Her approach empowers clients to discover their inner superpower, promoting healing and growth through adversity.Enduring and Overcoming Early Trauma: Judy's strength and resilience are deeply rooted in her early life experiences, enduring sexual abuse starting at the age of five. These experiences led her to run away at the age of fifteen, marking the beginning of a journey towards healing and empowerment.Tragic Loss and Resilience: In June 2019, Judy faced the heart-wrenching loss of her 18-year-old son, Jacob, to an opioid overdose. Despite her profound grief, she authored the #1 Bestselling book, “BEAUTIFUL TRAGEDY: How to Build Strength and Resilience during Life’s Greatest Challenges.” The book not only chronicles her journey but also introduces the transformative GIVE Principle.Surviving Against the Odds: Judy’s story is one of incredible survival, having escaped two serial killers and overcoming personal trauma, including rape. Her resilience is a testament to her strength and determination to not just survive but thrive.Trusted Advisor for Grieving Families: Known for her compassionate approach, Judy provides invaluable support to grieving families. She equips them with tools and skills to navigate the turbulent waters of grief and uncertainty with healthy coping mechanisms.Call to Action: Tune in to hear Judy Thureson’s inspiring story and learn how you too can transform life's challenges into opportunities for growth. Whether you're facing your own struggles or want to support someone who is, Judy’s insights offer a roadmap to resilience and healing. Connect with Judy Thureson: Explore Judy’s book, “BEAUTIFUL TRAGEDY: How to Build Strength and Resilience during Life’s Greatest Challenges,” available on major platforms.Thank you for joining us in this uplifting episode! Remember, no matter the challenges you face, there is strength within to overcome and thrive. Follow Dr. Sekandari on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_nafisa_sekandari Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.sekandari Watch Video Recording on Youtube To learn more about the Happiness Project visit https://www.drsekandari.com/happiness-project

    59 min
See All (85)

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to Dr. Nafisa Sekandari’s Mental Health Break Podcast. Here we will cover a variety of mental health topics from Anxiety and Depression to interviews and talks. Some episodes are specifically made for the podcast, others come from live recordings of lectures and speaking engagements. Dr Nafisa Sekandari is a holistic and integrative clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety based disorders. Her podcast covers topics including the mental health crisis, anxiety, depression, the connection between food and mood, as well as natural and holistic treatment options for creating long term control of your anxiety….all while learning to prioritize your mental health. You will be empowered through having a deeper understanding of your mind in order to live your best life. This podcast will provide you with the practical tips and tools you need to help you take back control of your mental, physical, and emotional health. So take a moment to prioritize YOUR mental health.

Information