Understanding the Misunderstood

In this episode, Erika reflects on Mental Health Awareness Month while celebrating four years of her podcast’s journey. Erika opens up about the personal growth, healing, vulnerability, and challenges that shaped both her life and the creation of the show, sharing how the podcast became a safe space for honest conversations around mental health, trauma, self-discovery, and resilience. Through hear...

In this episode, Erika sits down with Dr. Anna Lim, a lecturer in Deaf Studies at the Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development. Together, they explore the realities of navigating mental health care as a Deaf individual and unpack the systemic barriers that continue to impact access, equity, and culturally responsive support. Resources:  Deaf LEAD – Free mental health a...

In this episode, Erika discusses genetic uncertainty, resilience, and the emotional realities of Huntington’s Disease with Lori Jones. Author and advocate Lori Jones joins the show to share insights from her memoir Spared: A Memoir of Risk and Resolve and her lived experience growing up in a family affected by HD. Together, they explore stigma, secrecy, caregiving, and the psychological impact of...

In this episode, Erika discusses the deeply emotional and often unspoken realities of inheriting or living in a family with a genetic disease — specifically the resentment, shame, and identity shifts that can come with living under a diagnosis or genetic risk. Grounded in both lived experience and psychological research, this conversation explores how inherited conditions can affect not only the b...

In this episode, Erika sits down with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz — clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author of Post Traumatic Parenting — to explore how generational trauma shapes families and what it takes to break the cycle. They discuss the subtle patterns that can pass from one generation to the next, why breaking them can feel so challenging, and practical ways parents and caregivers can fost...

In this episode, Erika dives into generational (or intergenerational) trauma — what it is, how it’s passed down, and why breaking the cycle matters. She explores research-backed mechanisms of transmission, from family systems and cultural narratives to biological and epigenetic factors. You’ll learn practical strategies for healing, including processing your own story, regulating your body’s stres...

In this episode, Erika sits down with her colleague, Lily Beckett — Assistant Clinician at an ABA clinic — for an open and insightful conversation about the field. Together, they unpack common misconceptions about autism often seen in the media, reflect on lessons learned from working with children on the spectrum, and share their hopes for how ABA can continue to evolve to better support neurodiv...

In this episode, Erika breaks down what autism truly is—exploring its defining traits, common symptoms, and the misconceptions that too often surround it. Drawing from her firsthand experience as a Registered Behavior Technician in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis, she offers an honest look at the realities of her work and the truths behind the profession. This episode is sponsored by Better...

In this episode, Erika discusses all things identity related with special guest Leo Massey, an LGBTQ+ affirming and identifying male therapist who is comprehensively trained in DBT and works with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, BPD, and gender dysphoria, to name a few. Erika and Leo talk about how intersectional identities can clash with one another and impact mental health. Leo's...

In this episode, Erika delves into the complex world of identity and those that intersect considering the potential impact on mental health. She talks about what intersectionality is, how certain identities can increase the likelihood of poorer mental wellbeing, and what it means to live in the gray area. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first m...

In this episode, Erika sits down with Dr. Brian Licuanan, an author, speaker, and board-certified psychologist practicing in Southern California who specializes in insomnia and family crisis interventions to discuss substance use, addiction, and the path to recovery. Dr. Licuanan's Website: https://drbrianlicuanan.com/ Buy His Book Here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY9W9S5W/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3T6CEI6...

In this episode, Erika discusses definitions surrounding substance use, abuse, and addiction, as well as the effects that addiction has on an individual's life, relationships, and health. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: underst...

In this episode, Erika interviews Samantha Richardson, one of the partners in her company SupportGroups, about why they are working together, what services she is offering on the site, and a bit about her life experiences that led her here. Samantha is running her own private group forum on SupportGroups where she will hold live group sessions and Q&As, provide insights and educational content...

In this episode, Erika talks about the obstacles that people with mental health challenges face while in romantic relationships with Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor Dr. Dawn Dominguez.  This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: un...

In this episode, Erika discusses the ways that mental health issues can impact romantic relationships, while also covering how destructive myths can discourage individuals from authentically communicating their struggles with their partner. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions o...

She's back! In this episode, Erika talks about what she has been up to for the last year, and reveals a huge project that she has been working on to help people feel supported.  This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthem...

In this episode, Erika uncovers the effects of trauma and abuse with special guest and best-selling author Frank Leonardis. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

In this episode, Erika discusses the topic of abuse, explaining its effects and the trauma that it can cause to an individual. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com

In this episode, Erika discusses bipolar disorder with one of her friends Ayana Chang, who dives into her personal experiences and struggles with the disorder. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmai...

In this episode, Erika reveals the facts and myths related to bipolar disorder, its symptoms, and announces an upcoming interview with a special guest on the next episode. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunde...

In this episode, Erika addresses how gender can have a devastating impact on how we view mental health, as seen through the lens of a woman, male, non-binary person, transgender person, agender person, or other. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions or partnership inquiries, you...

***TRIGGER WARNING! In this episode, Erika reveals the myths surrounding self-harm, provides resources to get help, and uncovers lesser-known ways that people can self-harm. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisun...

In this episode, Erika discusses the ways in which clinical depression manifests differently for everyone, how it should not be defined, and common misconceptions. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@...

In this episode, Erika uncovers the different subtypes of eating disorders while also addressing the misconceptions related to body image and eating disorders. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmai...

In this episode, Erika addresses misconceptions about anxiety, the different types, and possible treatment options available. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Use code 'THEMISUNDERSTOOD' for 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/themisunderstood For questions or partnership inquiries, you can email us at: understandingthemisunderstood1@gmail.com