Getting Aligned With Your Best Self with Tanya Cole-Lesnick

This episode is a first for the podcast, as Alison sits down with another psychotherapist to discuss their aligned mission to help others live a life that is fulfilled and lights them up. Tanya Cole-Lesnick is a former graphic designer that found herself pursuing a career in therapy after her own experience with a therapist changed her life. She has been a psychotherapist, social worker, and coach since 1995 and she is on fire with her passion to help others see the amazing power of therapy and doing the work to get to know every aspect of our inner selves.

Through attending both individual and group therapy, Tanya found the life-changing effects of being vulnerable and connecting with other humans in our struggles. No matter the type of childhood or upbringing we experienced, we all learned and saved certain thoughts and beliefs that may not be serving us as adults, and we can walk around without even realizing that we are not aligned with our true and highest self. So often, we try to dismiss our true feelings, we talk negatively to ourselves and can default to people-pleasing tendencies that are not serving us. The key is to do the uncomfortable but necessary work of sitting with ourselves and learning who we truly are. 

In this episode, you will be inspired to take a deep look inside yourself and assess if you are living a life that is aligned with your values, wants, and needs. There is incredible power in getting real about what it is that’s important to you, and also sharing your struggles with others that deserve to hear them. There is magic in sharing and in vulnerability, and that is what you will get in this episode. Alison and Tanya are both on a mission to change the face of mental health and they have a powerful message for you today.

Key highlights:

Tanya’s background and why she decided to get a degree in social workHow to access and honor your truth and change the habits that don't serve youThe power that a group therapy session can have on someone's livesThe importance of vulnerability, discomfort, and honoring your feelings and needsBoundaries are important: Stop being “good” for everyone elseAlign your thoughts and feeling with who you want to beWe have been conditioned in our childhood so we all have stuff that needs healing, so rather than judging and pushing it away, get curious and explore itWhen we are aligned with ourselves, we can let go of things that are not aligned with us and know we are better offWhat a therapist should beTanya’s advice to someone struggling with low self-esteemIf you are looking externally for fulfillment, you will not find it- The magic is inside you and on your journeyHow to connect with Tanya and join one of her group therapy settings

Connect with Tanya Cole-Lesnick:

Instagram: @tanyathetherapist

Website: tanyacole-lesnick.com

Connect with Alison:

Instagram: @alisonanswers | @lagercounseling

Website: LagerCounseling.com

YouTube: Alison Answers

Facebook: Alison Lager Lcsw Casac