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Real Over Ideal

Real Over Ideal

By: Vanessa Gorelkin
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Function, not perfection.

Hosted by occupational therapist and executive coach Vanessa Gorelkin, Real over Ideal cuts through the noise to bring you practical strategies for life in a stressful world.


© 2025 Real Over Ideal
Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Loneliness- A self care guide
    Dec 25 2025

    It's the holiday season, and it's a time when people feel many things. Sometimes it's not all cheer or all good.

    This time of year can be hard on people because of stress, loneliness or real life pressure. The intensity of everything being "joyous" can feel like a heavy weight. We want to lighten things up with some real talk about lonely feelings-- and to suggest a few solutions.

    This episode is for you if you need a little boost and don't feel quite like whooping it up at the celebration. We've got you.

    Don't forget to share this podcast - maybe that's your first opportunity to reach out!


    Thanks for listening!

    Please share the show with anyone who may enjoy it. We'd love it if you'd leave us a 5 star review wherever you're listening- it helps listeners find the show and we read every review.

    If you'd like to submit an "Untangle This" question, a comment, or an episode idea-- Email us:

    realoveridealpod@gmail.com

    Vanessa is available to consult professionally with individual clients. If you'd like to work with Vanessa , reach out here:

    https://vanessagorelkin.com/contact-us#12398ed6-3711-4e15-ae41-4711059fd6ab

    If you'd like to read about Vanessa's background, treatment perspective and techniques, or other handy information about her practice, check out her Psychology Today profile here:

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanessa-gorelkin-scottsdale-az/809467



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    11 mins
  • Save the crash out: DBT is here
    Dec 18 2025

    In this episode of Real Over Ideal, Vanessa Gorelkin delves into the intricacies of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), exploring its unique approach and why it often gets misunderstood. She highlights the therapy's blend of cognitive techniques with mindfulness and emotion regulation, and discusses its potential pitfalls when applied rigidly. Vanessa offers alternative strategies for distress tolerance and emphasizes the importance of context and flexibility in therapy.

    Thanks for listening!

    Please share the show with anyone who may enjoy it. We'd love it if you'd leave us a 5 star review wherever you're listening- it helps listeners find the show and we read every review.

    If you'd like to submit an "Untangle This" question, a comment, or an episode idea-- Email us:

    realoveridealpod@gmail.com

    Vanessa is available to consult professionally with individual clients. If you'd like to work with Vanessa , reach out here:

    https://vanessagorelkin.com/contact-us#12398ed6-3711-4e15-ae41-4711059fd6ab

    If you'd like to read about Vanessa's background, treatment perspective and techniques, or other handy information about her practice, check out her Psychology Today profile here:

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanessa-gorelkin-scottsdale-az/809467



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    13 mins
  • About the time I recorded with Kate Moryoussef of ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast
    Dec 11 2025

    Hello Listener:

    If you’re enjoying this show: Please don’t forget to subscribe, rate the podcast and share with friends. Thank you for listening, wherever you are, around the globe.

    In this episode, Vanessa discusses her recording with podcast host and author, Kate Moryoussef, for the December 18th, 2025 episode of the “ADHD Women's Wellbeing” podcast.

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/adhd-womens-wellbeing-podcast/id1605386171

    In that episode of the ADHD Women’s Well-being Podcast, Vanessa and Kate discuss the role of OT for ADHD, particularly for adults, insights about ADHD and neurodiversity, internal family systems, and dialectical behavioral therapy.

    This episode of Real Over Ideal is a behind the scenes glimpse at Vanessa ‘s post-recording thoughts and an expansion/ preview (depending on when you are listening!) of some of the topics discussed on Kate’s podcast.

    Watch for the episode on ADHD Women's Wellbeing Pod and remember to keep it real over ideal.


    Thanks for listening!

    Please share the show with anyone who may enjoy it. We'd love it if you'd leave us a 5 star review wherever you're listening- it helps listeners find the show and we read every review.

    If you'd like to submit an "Untangle This" question, a comment, or an episode idea-- Email us:

    realoveridealpod@gmail.com

    Vanessa is available to consult professionally with individual clients. If you'd like to work with Vanessa , reach out here:

    https://vanessagorelkin.com/contact-us#12398ed6-3711-4e15-ae41-4711059fd6ab

    If you'd like to read about Vanessa's background, treatment perspective and techniques, or other handy information about her practice, check out her Psychology Today profile here:

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/vanessa-gorelkin-scottsdale-az/809467



    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
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