Psych Confidential

Trigger warning: Today’s episode discussed suicide; the goal was to provide hope for those who are currently struggling with suicidal contemplation, as well as support to those who have had to experience the unfortunate loss of a loved one to taking their own life. If you are struggling with self-harm and suicidal thoughts, please call the suicide hotline at 9-8-8Suicide is the 12th overall leading cause of death in the United States; 9th for ages 10-64; and second highest cause of death for college students ages 18 to 24. 80% of suicides are carried out by males; with men over the age of 65 being at the greatest risk. 20% of post-partum deaths are suicide related. Today’s guest is Matthew Swartz, a licensed social worker who has worked with families who have had to experience the unfortunate aftermaths of losing a loved one to taking their own life. He specializes in working with high achievers and high performers, and has consulted with Fortune 500 companies, national organizations, and school systems.Matt is the Owner and CEO of Evolving Lives, Inc., a therapy & personal growth company founded by himself and his wife Sarah, and the Chief Flow Officer at Recess Labs, where they utilize the latest brain technology to help users to reach Flow State. More information can be found at www.withrecess.com/If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the psych confidential podcast, share it with others, or leave a rating and review. You can find more information at www.brightpinepsychology.com and Dr. Kat’s social media @drkat_psyd

Sharon Tonnies is a twin mom and an autism advocate. She and her husband,  have 16-year-old twin boys, and have been married for 19 years. Sharon supports the Autism Alliance of Michigan and is currently on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Council of Exceptional Children as well as the Consumer Advisory Board for the Judson Center.In this episode, Dr. Kat Lewitzke and Sharon discuss Sharon's story and offer invaluable advice to families who are facing difficult decisions and questions surrounding the diagnosis, treatment options, and how to navigate through in a healthy and proactive manner. They offer words of encouragement and a comprehensive plan to get the services your child deserves. 

Dr. Kat Lewitzke PsyD LP is the clinic director of Bright Pine Behavioral Health, a private boutique outpatient mental health service facility in the state of Michigan. Bright Pine Behavioral Health specializes in neuropsychological testing and therapy services for children, teens, and adults.In episode 2, Dr. Kat discusses how to process and overcome a phenomenon called "mom guilt", offering insight and ways to work through those very real feelings.Our guest today is Latanya Gater MA LLP , a psychologist and full-time working mom who courageously opened up about her own personal experiences of mom guilt.Latanya is the CEO of Gater’s Got You;  which offers a variety of treatments, groups and services to improve and help others maintain their optimal health. Just this last year, Latanya received 40 under 40 from the Michigan Chronicle, and she is the first African American woman to be the chairperson for the Dearborn Heights Community and Cultural Relations Commission, and serves as the VP of Dearborn Heights District 7 School Board.Just remember, there is so manual for motherhood. Every mom out there is walking in the same shoes - we are all trying to figure this journey out. If all moms feel guilty—and research shows that we pretty much all do—then there's no “better” mother to compare ourselves to. Thank you some much for listening today! And thank you again for Latanya Gater for sharing your story. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the psych confidential podcast, share it with others, or leave a rating and review.

Dr. Kat provides tips to parents navigating the start of the school year