In this episode, Jean is joined by Farideh Banafshei, a counseling psychologist nearing the completion of her doctorate. They discuss Farideh's journey from working in finance to transitioning into psychology, driven by her own experiences of imposter syndrome and stress in high-pressure environments.

Farideh highlights the pressures women face in professional settings, the impact of perfectionism, and the ways society's unrealistic expectations can lead to mental health issues. She shares personal anecdotes about her struggle with severe health issues that led her to reassess her life and healing journey.

The conversation also explores the role of cultural dynamics in disordered eating and the importance of internal reflection for genuine self-healing. Farideh emphasizes that true strength comes from within and that therapeutic work helps individuals uncover their innate resilience.

00:00 Introduction to Farideh Banafshei
00:58 Farideh's Career Journey
02:39 Transition to Psychology
02:50 Understanding Affective Disorders
04:22 Challenges in High-Pressure Environments
08:05 Personal Struggles and COVID Impact
11:26 The Breaking Point and Recovery
15:27 Perfectionism and Self-Discovery
22:26 Disordered Eating and Cultural Perspectives
31:36 Finding Support and Healing
34:39 Final Thoughts and Advice

You can learn more about the J. Flowers Health Institute by heading to their website: https://jflowershealth.com/

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Farideh Banafshei Counsellor, MBACP

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach

Composer: Edoardo Vella