14 Oct Meet Dr. Sara!

Hi there, I would like to take a moment to get acquainted with you, dear reader.  Here is where you will find all of the fun, more eclectic sides of me, in addition to my professional highlights on the official site!  In this space, I will be writing about my in the moment thoughts that (truthfully) end up to be longer than the Instagram world typically enjoys, but shorter than an article or book chapter may necessitate (and who has all of that time!?)

Topics will often include personal and professional interests, insights, and topics that I feel are worthy of pondering for the average human.  In short, this is a space for me to be candid!

Most people I work with call me Dr. Sara and I’m a Licensed Psychologist in New York State.  I established my online presence last year and started my private practice around the same time after planning (for far too long because, well, nerves!) for several years.  I have worked as a school psychologist in both public and private schools (and continue to do so), as well as, taught as an adjunct professor in the CUNY system in School Psychology graduate programs.  While I have many school-related experiences, this space is a place for me to mix it up. …  I will most likely not speak to education-related topics here.  Because everyone needs a break!  And I am a diverse professional with many other interests and experiences.  Although you will find the occasional discussion about children, teens, and mental health, because hey, you can’t run from a specialized niche!

Did you know that I have a near obsession with all things nervous system related?  I dedicate a good amount of time to both continue to read about how our body responds to our world and practice the strategies that I preach in my professional capacity!  It’s all about the breathwork!  And all of this work eventually led me to an interest in Reiki Energy Healing practices, which I have recently completed my Level 2 training in trauma informed Reiki practices.  Look for more on that topic in a later post! 

I also have a personal interest in integrative mental health or what some refer to as mental health nutrition.  Holistic psychology can also be a term used when discussing these fields.  I have an even higher interest in prevention of mental health disorders by way of examining and rearranging our everyday lifestyle routines.  More specifically, how we move, what we eat, how we sleep, and what other routines we prioritize. 

::Drumroll::  And my favorites/ preferences in that order are:

• Movement:  Yoga, any yoga, hot yoga, restorative, vinyasa flow, buti yoga, you name it! Hiking is a close second.  
• Nutrition:  Whole foods!!!! Lot’s of leafy green goodness (with the occasional animal protein as long as its sustainably and humanely farmed!)  And dark chocolate.  Lots of it!
• Sleep:  Early to bed, with a little cooler temp, and too many pillows!  7-7.5 hours is key for me.  Thankfully, my sleep tracker ring helps me to stay on top of it.
• Connection:  This is my prioritized routine.  At least 5 minutes, despite even a ridiculously crazy day, gets spent with my husband.  We both agree on this and make it work!

I find the world wide web to be such a crucial resource at this moment in the mental health and wellness field.  So, it would be just plain wrong to not be a contributor!  I want to share information and resources, and I hope you, dear reader, will find that I am able to do so in a helpful way.  I am open to topics and am always interested in professional discussion, so feel free to reach out if you have a thought, note, or just want to say “hola”!

Disclaimer:  This and any blog posting by Dr. Sara on STeta Therapy + Wellness is purely for informational and inspirational purposes and does not constitute as therapy.  It is generalized advice and cannot be applied to specific situations.  The writings are solely the personal and professional opinions of Dr. Sara Teta and not meant as advice or guidance.  Reading information online can help you further understand your situation or to learning something new intellectually, but it is not a replacement for formal therapy, psychiatric, medical, nutritional, or other professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment specific for you.  Due to ethical and confidentiality limitations, specific needs via email or messaging cannot be addressed.  Please call 911 if you are experiencing a crisis or thoughts of harming yourself or others.