How to Train Your Brain for Peak Performance! Yes, Even in Menopause with Elyse Schunkewitz #022

How to Train Your Brain for Peak Performance! Yes, Even in Menopause with Elyse Schunkewitz #022

December 30, 20243 min read

About My Guest

Elyse Schunkewitz, LCSW, is a holistic & functional psychotherapist leveraging her expertise in functional neuroscience & medicine, somatic therapies, psychology, and fitness to empower high achievers. With a background as a clinician in the Bellevue Hospital psychiatric emergency room and personal experience overcoming burnout and medication reliance, she pioneers true holistic psychotherapy. With specialties in nervous system regulation, medication alternatives, and habit change neurology, Elyse extends her transformative approach nationwide, training medical providers on how to integrate brain and body-based training into lifelong mental wellness.

Summary

Tune in for a captivating conversation with Elyse Schunkewitz, a holistic and functional psychotherapist, as she shares her unique approach to mental health that blends conventional therapy with holistic practices. Leah and Elyse dive into the challenges women face during perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing the power of self-compassion and acceptance in making lasting habit changes. They explore the importance of calming the nervous system, activating the frontal lobe, and finding your personal "why" to drive successful transformation. With insights on identity shifts, the role of emotions in peak performance, and the necessity of play in personal growth, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate life's transitions with grace and resilience!

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The information provided during this podcast is for educational purposes only. The speaker may be a licensed medical professional and may present case studies of actual patients or refer to patients' treatment during the program. Please be reminded that the Scope of Practice for Holistic Nutrition Professionals prevents us from diagnosing, preventing, treating, curing, prescribing, managing, or healing disease. Holistic Nutrition Professionals are not licensed in any state and work with clients, not patients.

Takeaways

  • Holistic psychotherapy integrates mind and body approaches.

  • Understanding hormones is crucial for mental health.

  • Women often face identity crises during midlife.

  • Habit change is neurologically draining and requires preparation.

  • Self-compassion is essential for sustainable change.

  • Identifying your 'why' is key to successful habit change.

  • Frontal lobe activation is important for executive functioning.

  • Play and fun are critical for mental health and habit change.

  • Nutrition plays a significant role in mental well-being.

  • Working with a supportive practitioner can enhance success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Holistic Psychotherapy

02:51 Understanding Holistic and Functional Psychotherapy

06:01 Common Issues in Perimenopause and Menopause

08:53 The Challenge of Habit Change

11:43 Emotions and Peak Performance

14:38 The Process of Habit Change

17:55 Finding Your Why

20:41 Preparing for Habit Change

24:00 Compassion in Habit Change

28:49 Embracing Acceptance and Self-Compassion

32:28 The Transformative Journey of Habit Change

34:50 Calming the Nervous System for Change

38:02 Activating the Frontal Lobe for Habit Change

43:38 The Importance of Play in Habit Change

44:34 Creating Sustainable Habit Changes

49:48 Navigating Setbacks in Habit Change

52:40 Finding the Right Support for Change

Resources

Elyse is sharing her Nutrition & Mental Health Guide: https://elyseschunkewitzlcsw.com/nutrition-mental-health-guide

Connect with Elyse on Instagram.

NEED MORE HELP? Not sure where to start? 

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Nutrition Coach & Certified Menopause Expert

Leah Vachani

Nutrition Coach & Certified Menopause Expert

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