Start The School Year With Presence With Dr. Leah Katz [Podcast Episode]

As high-achieving moms, we’re living hectic lives, reacting to every trigger, thought, text message, and notification. How can we be more intentional about our lives and start the school year with presence?

My own initial thought is, “I don’t have time for that” and my guess is that you feel the same. We have a family to run, a job or business to run, a household to run. And yet, we see a mental health crisis among our children and a burnout crisis among women. If we continue to go with the norms, we’re choosing burnout for ourselves and difficulties with mental health for our kids.

It’s a path we don’t want to take. So what can we do differently? How can we be in the moment and be more intentional about who we want to be and how we want to exist in this world? How can we make sure we start the school year with presence?

I’m joined by Dr. Leah Katz to talk all about it! Leah is a clinical psychologist and mindfulness expert. We talk about the resistance that comes up when hearing the word ‘mindfulness’, how values inform our decisions, how we can live a life that feels more true and so much more!

“This is an opportunity to really get curious of the patterns of thinking
that are working against you”
– Dr. Leah Katz

In this episode on how to start the school year with presence, we discuss:

• How do we separate from certain groups and norms that are impacting our lives?;
• The pressure on high-achieving women;
• How check-ins can help you to live a life that feels true to you;
• How to do a check-in with yourself;
• Taking space for yourself in a world that’s telling you you can’t;
• Where does the resistance come from we can feel around mindfulness?
• How values inform the decisions you make;
• And so much more!

If you feel like being present is something you don’t have time for, this episode is for you. You can find our podcast Active and Connected Families wherever you listen to your podcasts or simply click here!

More about Dr. Leah Katz

Leah Katz, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and author practicing in Portland, Oregon.

Originally from New York, she completed her doctorate training at Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. While living in New York, Dr. Katz worked at a community clinic where she led several groups, treated individuals and couples in therapy, and taught Health Psychology at Stern College for Women.

She currently works in private practice where she specializes in working with teenagers and adults, with a focus on treating anxiety and depression. She primarily utilizes a hybrid of cognitive behavioral, ACT, and mindfulness techniques in her therapy work. She has an extensive mindfulness background and incorporates mindfulness concepts into the therapeutic work she does.

Dr. Katz is passionate about girls’ and women’s mental health, and helping women navigate challenges to live deeply connected and fulfilled lives. She recently published her first book, Gutsy: Mindfulness Practices for Everyday Bravery.

You can find her on Instagram, @dr.leahkatz, where she shares mental health thoughts daily.

More about Active & Connected Family Therapy

Active & Connected Family Therapy is a mental health practice serving individuals, families, and our community. Our practice is designed to help people at all stages and from all walks of life by offering therapists and physicians with diverse backgrounds and specialties via face-to-face, walk-and-talk, and telemedicine appointments. Throughout, we are committed to developing strengths-based, authentic, and long-lasting relationships with you and your children. We hope to provide you with the support and insight you need to help your family navigate life’s hard times and joys.

Are you or your child struggling with mental health? We have a team of psychologists and psychiatrists who can help you out. You can learn more about our practice or contact us here.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode

• Leah’s book: Gutsy: Mindfulness Practices for Everyday Bravery.
• Connect with Leah on Instagram (@dr.leahkatz) or her website.
• Are you or your child struggling with mental health? We have a team of psychologists and psychiatrists who can help you out. You can learn more about our practice or contact us here.
• We’d love to hear your feedback on our podcast. Why not leave us a review on Apple Podcasts?
• Connect with us on Instagram.
• We’ve got a bunch of episodes for you to binge-listen to! How about one of our most listened-to episodes on how we explain anxiety to kids and families?

Disclaimer: Please remember we are real live therapists, however this is a podcast and is not considered a therapy session. Not only because there is no co-pay but also because we can’t speak to your individual experiences. We are here to help you keep raising healthy kids. And remember, if you are an imperfect parent, we are right there with you. If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, please call your local crisis hotline or go to your nearest emergency room.