Episode 141: Rachel Tuchman, LMHC "Judaism & Mental Health"

On this episode of the Judaism Demystified Podcast, licensed mental health counselor Rachel Tuchman joins us for an honest conversation about the hidden factors shaping mental health in Orthodox Jewish communities. We explore how influencer culture, constant comparison, and the pressure to "keep up" affect dating, marriages, family building, and self-worth. We also discuss the rise of Gen Z addictions, the impact of social media and dopamine-driven living, and why so many people are unaware of the everyday habits that either strengthen or undermine their mental health. Finally, we examine the difference between authentic Torah values and what we call "snake oil Judaism." We discuss how to distinguish genuine spiritual growth from quick fixes, and how greater self-awareness can lead to healthier minds, stronger relationships, and more meaningful Jewish lives.___*This episode is dedicated to the refua shelema of Sarah Miriam bat Tamar, Binyamin ben Zilpa, and our dear friend Yaakov ben Haya Sarah Malakh, and l'ilui nishmat Zehara Yehudit bat Yaakov Ezra v'Ilana Shira___• Bio: Rachel Tuchman is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over ten years of experience. She has worked with many diverse populations including incarcerated women at Riker's Island Correctional Facility, kids and adults with developmental delays, kids with behavior issues, overwhelmed parents looking for skills and support, teens struggling with the pressures of adolescence and life in general, adults going through difficult life circumstances (divorce, infidelity, phase of life challenges), individuals struggling with their relationship with food and their bodies and women experiencing infertility. Rachel is HAES (Health At Every Size) aligned clinician and dedicates a lot of her time out of office to educating parents and kids on the importance of body respect and the behaviors that truly honor our health. Currently, she offers services in her Cedarhurst, NY office for teens adults, and women experiencing infertility, pregnancy loss, and post-hysterectomy. Rachel also does speaking engagements for schools, synagogues, and various community organizations. Telemental health services are available to allcurrent NY state residents.___• Check out her website here: https://www.racheltuchman.com/___• Welcome to JUDAISM DEMYSTIFIED: A PODCAST FOR THE PERPLEXED | Co-hosted by Benjy & Benzi | Thank you to...Super Patron: Jordan Karmily, Platinum Patron: Craig Gordon, Rod Ilian, Gold Patrons: Dovidchai Abramchayev, Lazer Cohen, Travis Krueger, Vasili Volkoff, Vasya, Silver Patrons: Ellen Fleischer, Daniel M., Rabbi Pinny Rosenthal, Fred & Antonio, Jeffrey Wasserman, Jacob Winston, Ariel Klainerman, and Michael Herskovitz! Please SUBSCRIBE to this YouTube Channel and hit the BELL to get alerted whenever new clips get posted, thank you for your support!