Mentally STRONG Academy: Embrace the Journey

By: Cristi Bundukamara
  • Summary

  • About Dr. B

    Dr. Cristi Bundukamara, Ed.D., PMHNP has been a psychiatric nurse practitioner since 2000, gaining extensive experience over the last several decades. Her medical career began as an Army Medic before attending nursing school and receiving a master’s degree as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Florida International University (FIU). She went on to receive a doctorate in Education at Nova Southeastern University. From there, she launched the first Mentally STRONG Clinic in Colorado Springs, CO which is committed to access and serves over 7,000 patients. She also founded the Mentally STRONG Academy. Today, when she’s not at the clinic attending to her patients, Dr. B dedicates a large portion of her time to speaking about mental health issues, sharing methods for processing grief, and providing tips for developing mental strength.

    © 2024 Cristi Bundukamara
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Episodes
  • The Mind-Body Connection: Unlocking Healing Through Energy Work
    Aug 11 2024

    Ready to explore the fascinating intersection of mental health and physical well-being? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Ryan Shroyer of Holisticare Bodyworks, a massage therapist with a passion for energy work. Ryan shares his journey from feeling lost and depressed to discovering the power of healing through modalities like Reiki and CranioSacral Therapy.

    • [01:25] Discover how trauma, grief, and emotions can become trapped in the body, leading to physical pain and tension.
    • [06:39] Ryan reveals the science behind energy work, highlighting the interconnectedness of our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves.
    • [13:11] Gain practical insights into how you can tap into your own energy centers, unlock healing, and experience greater balance in your life.
    • [20:04] This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of energy work on mental health.

    Key Takeaways:

    • The profound influence of the mind-body connection on overall well-being
    • How trauma and emotions can manifest as physical pain and tension
    • Understanding the science behind energy work and its impact on healing
    • Practical tips for tapping into your own energy centers and unlocking healing
    • The importance of finding support and resources on your mental health journey

    Don't miss this opportunity to learn from an expert in energy work and gain a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection. Subscribe now and share this episode with anyone seeking a holistic approach to mental health.


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    38 mins
  • Grief is NOT Always the Final Act of Love: Grief, Love, and Letting Go
    Jul 29 2024

    Grief is often described as the final act of love, a beautiful sentiment that resonates with many. But what if grief isn't just love, but also pain, anger, confusion, and a host of other emotions? In this deeply personal episode, Dr. B, a mother who has experienced the profound loss of multiple children and her husband, explores the complexities of grief.

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 - 02:00: Introduction – The poetic phrase "grief is the final act of love" and the reality of grief as a multifaceted experience.
    • 02:00 - 05:00: Personal Story – Dr.B's journey through multiple losses, and the different ways grief has manifested in each situation.
    • 05:00 - 08:00: The Dangers of Quantifying Grief – How comparing losses and pain can hinder healing.
    • 08:00 - 12:00: The Individual Nature of Grief – How personality, life stage, relationship dynamics, and love all influence the grieving process.
    • 12:00 - 15:00: Unpacking the Entanglement of Grief with Other Struggles – Addressing negative self-talk, anxiety, and spiritual conflict.
    • 15:00 - 18:00: The Importance of Processing Grief and Finding Joy – How to move forward, embrace joy, and find purpose without denying the reality of grief.
    • 18:00 - 20:00: Grief Resources and Support – Dr. B offers guidance and resources for those navigating their grief journeys.


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    14 mins
  • Grief, Trauma, and the Spiritual Journey: Suicide Loss & Healing with Dr. Alina Garbuz
    Jul 26 2024

    Join us for a deeply moving and insightful conversation with Dr. Alina Garbuz, a trauma specialist and researcher with a unique perspective on grief and healing.

    In this episode, Dr. Garbuz shares her personal and professional journey through the complex landscapes of grief and trauma, particularly around suicide loss. Drawing from her spiritual experiences and expertise in EMDR therapy, she offers a fresh perspective on:

    • The Intersection of Spirituality and Mental Health: Discover how embracing the spiritual can enhance healing and provide comfort in the face of immense loss.
    • Reframing Trauma: Learn how to differentiate between trauma and stress, and explore tools for building resilience in the face of life's challenges.
    • The Power of Self-Love and Responsibility: Gain insights on how self-love, boundaries, and making good choices can lead to personal growth and healthier relationships.
    • The Role of Playfulness in Healing: Explore how embracing childlike joy and wonder can help us navigate difficult experiences.
    • Intensive Therapy as a Catalyst for Change: Understand the benefits of deep, focused work for transforming your relationship with grief and trauma.

    Whether you've experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide or are simply seeking guidance on navigating life's inevitable hardships, this episode offers a message of hope, resilience, and the power of choosing love over fear.

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    1 hr and 3 mins

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