• EP 9: Healing with a Mexican Shaman with Perla Marixsa
    Jan 26 2025

    In this transformative episode of Soul Sessions, Jess sits down with a Mexican shaman Perla, to explore her path to becoming a healer. Together, they discuss the spiritual traditions that shaped her, the challenges of blending ancient practices with modern life, and the profound lessons she’s learned while guiding others through their healing journeys. Discover how ancestral wisdom can help us reconnect with our roots and embrace holistic well-being. This episode offers an inspiring look at the intersection of identity, spirituality, and resilience.

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • EP 8: Familia Found: Healing in Chosen Community
    Jan 19 2025

    Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions about suicide and its impact on mental health. Listener discretion is advised.


    In this episode, I’m diving into the concept of chosen family within the queer Latinx community. When biological families turn their backs, chosen families step up, providing love, connection, and belonging. I interviewed Damian, who shared his journey of navigating rejection and creating affirming spaces of support. Together, we explore the cultural importance of "familia," celebrate resilience, and highlight the healing power of chosen communities.


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    55 mins
  • EP 7: Superman Syndrome: Men's Mental Health
    Jan 12 2025

    In this episode, I’m sitting down with my brother to talk about the pressures men face to be invulnerable, strong, and self-reliant—what we’re calling the “Superman Syndrome.” Together, we’ll explore how societal expectations, cultural norms, and mental health stigma affect men, especially Black and Brown men. We’ll share personal stories, challenge toxic masculinity, and discuss why it’s so important to create safe spaces for men to prioritize their mental health.


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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • EP 6: La Negra Tiene Tumbao: Owning My Afro-Latina Roots
    Jan 5 2025
    In this episode of Soul Sessions, I’m diving into the richness and complexity of being Afro-Latina. I’ll share how I embrace my Blackness and Latina heritage, the pride I feel in my identity, and the ways I navigate spaces that often don’t feel made for people like me. This is a celebration of resilience, culture, and self-love as I reflect on the journey of honoring every part of who I am. Join me as I unpack the joys and challenges of being Afro-Latina and explore how this identity shapes me.
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    33 mins
  • EP 5: 2024 Wrapped: Therapy, Growth, and the Road Ahead
    Dec 29 2024
    In this episode, I reflect on my 2024 journey, sharing personal milestones, professional growth, and the lessons I've learned along the way. From working as a therapist to nearing graduation and celebrating an upcoming birthday, I open up about the highs and lows that shaped her year.Tune in for an inspiring look back at a transformative year and hear my hopes and goals as I prepares to step into 2025.
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    26 mins
  • EP 4: A Conversation with Mother and Daughter: Mental Health, Family, and Resilience
    Dec 22 2024
    In this heartfelt episode of Soul Sessions, join me for an intimate conversation with my mom as we explore the intersections of mental health, family, and resilience. From her experiences raising me as a single mother to the challenges she faced in her own life, we delve into how our family has navigated the complexities of mental health and the lessons we've learned along the way. Through this candid exchange, we reflect on the power of family support, cultural influences, and the strength that comes from embracing our stories. Tune in for a raw and meaningful discussion between mother and daughter about overcoming struggles and finding strength in one another.
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    47 mins
  • EP 3: Am I Enough? Imposter Syndrome in Graduate School
    Dec 21 2024
    In this episode of Soul Sessions: Therapy, Identity, and Real Life as a Black Latina, I dive into the complex world of imposter syndrome. As a Black Latina therapist and graduate student, I’ve wrestled with feelings of not being “good enough” in spaces where I often felt unseen or underestimated. Together, we’ll unpack how systemic inequities and societal expectations fuel imposter syndrome, share personal experiences, and discuss strategies to reclaim confidence and self-worth. This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn’t belong, especially in spaces not designed for us. Let’s talk about how we can own our brilliance and take up space unapologetically.
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    26 mins
  • EP 2: Cultural Competence: What Psychology Missed About My Identity
    Dec 21 2024
    In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most eye-opening parts of my journey as a Black Latina therapist: how psychology often overlooks or misrepresents the experiences of people like me. I’ll talk about the gaps I’ve encountered in the field, where my identity didn’t quite fit into the traditional frameworks, and how that’s shaped my approach to therapy. Join me as I explore the need for cultural attunement and how our stories deserve to be reflected in the field of psychology.
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    28 mins