Mentally STRONG Academy: Embrace the Journey

By: Cristi Bundukamara
  • Summary

  • About Dr. B

    Dr. Cristi Bundukamara, Ed.D., PMHNP has been a psychiatric nurse practitioner since 2000, gaining extensive experience over the last several decades. Her medical career began as an Army Medic before attending nursing school and receiving a master’s degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Florida International University (FIU). She went on to receive a doctorate in Education at Nova Southeastern University. From there, she launched the first Mentally STRONG Clinic in Colorado Springs, CO which is committed to access and serves over 7,000 patients. She also founded the Mentally STRONG Academy. Today, when she’s not at the clinic attending to her patients, Dr. B dedicates a large portion of her time to speaking about mental health issues, sharing methods for processing grief, and providing tips for developing mental strength.

    © 2024 Cristi Bundukamara
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Episodes
  • Relationship Advice to Keep Your Bond Strong | Dr. Mike Ghali
    Sep 24 2024

    In this insightful episode of the Mentally Strong Podcast, Dr. B engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Mike Ghali, a licensed psychologist specializing in individual, couples, and marriage counseling. Dr. Ghali opens up about his personal and professional experiences navigating grief, loss, and the challenges of maintaining mental strength.

    Topic Highlights:

    • Embracing Emotions, Building Resilience: Learn to accept and express your feelings, fostering emotional resilience in the face of life's challenges.
    • Taking Ownership of Your Mental Well-being: Discover the power of personal responsibility in your mental health journey, moving beyond reliance on external validation.
    • Communication: The Key to Strong Relationships: Gain valuable insights into effective communication within relationships, fostering understanding and connection even during difficult times.
    • Navigating Grief and Loss: Hear Dr. Ghali's personal story of grief and how it shaped his therapeutic approach. Uncover strategies for coping with loss and finding moments of joy amidst sorrow.
    • Discovering Your Passions, Fueling Your Soul: Explore the importance of identifying and prioritizing activities that bring you joy and contribute to your overall well-being.

    Don't miss this powerful episode filled with expert advice and practical strategies for embracing life's journey and cultivating mental strength.

    Guest: Dr. Mike Ghali, Licensed Psychologist and Owner of Ink Therapy

    Contact Dr. Ghali:

    • Website: https://www.inctherapy.org
    • Phone: 719-500-1831

    Remember: It's okay to not be okay. Reach out for help when you need it, and take the first step on your journey towards mental strength and emotional well-being.

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    41 mins
  • Dr. Rakesh Jain | Beyond Medications Embracing Mental Wellness
    Sep 11 2024

    In this insightful episode of "Embrace the Journey," Dr. Raquesh Jain, a psychiatrist and former oncologist, challenges the traditional reliance on medications for mental health. Drawing from his personal struggles and professional experience, Dr. Jain emphasizes the importance of holistic mental wellness.

    Topic Highlights:

    • The limitations of psychiatric medication: Discover how medications can aid recovery but may not lead to flourishing.
    • The HERO Wellness Scale: Learn about this innovative, research-backed tool to measure and track mental well-being.
    • Wildfire Wellness: Explore an accessible, 30-day program based on "Ancient Practices for Modern-Day Living."
    • Men's mental health: Understand the cultural barriers preventing men from seeking help and the importance of vulnerability.
    • The role of spirituality: Appreciate how spiritual health, regardless of religious affiliation, plays a vital role in mental well-being.
    • Psychedelics and mental health: Get insights into the promising research on psychedelics like psilocybin, along with the importance of medical guidance.
    • The patient-provider relationship: Discover how empathy, patience, and a focus on long-term growth can revolutionize mental health treatment.

    Join us as we redefine mental health, moving beyond symptom management towards a journey of growth and flourishing.

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    30 mins
  • Strengthening Families: Expert Insights on Child Mental Health and Family Systems with Laura Olson
    Sep 6 2024

    Parenting is a journey full of challenges, especially when a child's mental health is involved. In this episode, we gain valuable insights from Laura Olson, owner of Pelmy Child and Family Specialists, as she shares her expertise on navigating the complexities of family systems and supporting children's mental well-being.

    Topic Highlights:

    • Understanding Family Systems: (01:30) Learn how a child's mental health affects the entire family dynamic and how to address the system as a whole, not just the identified patient.
    • Trauma and Its Ripple Effects: (02:40) Explore the various forms of trauma and their impact on children, siblings, and parents, including the unique challenges faced by adoptive families.
    • The Power of Attachment: (16:50) Discover the critical role of attachment in child development and its connection to self-regulation, self-worth, and healthy relationships.
    • Navigating Manipulation and Setting Boundaries: (07:00) Learn effective strategies for addressing manipulative behaviors while prioritizing mental health concerns and fostering a safe and supportive environment.
    • The Importance of Connection and Influence: (19:30) Understand that parenting is more about influence than control and how building strong relationships can empower children to make healthy choices.
    • Parenting with Grace: (04:10) Embrace the learning process of parenting and find solace in the fact that you're not alone in this journey.

    Whether you're a parent seeking guidance or a professional working with families, this episode offers invaluable insights and tools for supporting child mental health and strengthening the family unit.

    Visit Palame's website or contact them directly for information on their services, including individual, group, and family therapy, in-home services, parenting classes, and more.

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    28 mins

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