health – Functionally Mental

CPAP Sleep

Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 3-17-2026 For the past couple of years, my family and friends have been urging me to get another sleep study. I procrastinated because I wanted to stay in denial. I did not want to learn that I have sleep apnea and will be required to wear a CPAP for the restContinue reading “CPAP Sleep”

Surrender

Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 03-01-2026 At least once a month I receive another burnt out client with a goal to increase their productivity. This is obviously counter productive, but they are in denial. Some of the work ahead includes helping them learn to accept and surrender to their new reality. The reality being that theyContinue reading “Surrender”

Mental Punishments

Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 12-27-2025 Mental disorders are finally getting some recognition and empathy, but there is still a long way to go with educating our general public. One topic that is rarely highlighted, is how our mental illnesses can bleed onto other people. People do not choose to have mental disorders, it’s an unfortunateContinue reading “Mental Punishments”

Never Thankful

Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 11-27-2025 “You walk through life while a rain storm follows. And all the while, people talk to you about the sun, as if you can feel it.” I want to be more satisfied. With the world, with other people, and with myself. Trauma and depression were my greatest barriers. But, itContinue reading “Never Thankful”

Grappling through Life

Interviewer: Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ BJJ Purple belt Interviewee: Joshua Murdock/ BJJ Black belt/ Pedigo Submission Fighting–Daisy Fresh Team-Mt Vernon, IL/ Bronze Medalist ADCC Open & Master Worlds IBJJF The Brazilian jiu jitsu circle is small. Chances are if I do not know a BJJ athlete, I at least know someone who knows them. IfContinue reading “Grappling through Life”

Primary Care Behavioral health

Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 08-24-2025 We are no longer in a debate of ‘nature vs nurture’. It is nature and nurture combined, working together, every single day. Around the clock. Causing confusion. As everyone hopes that there will be one direct cause, and one specific cure. And a prognosis, with an end in sight. Ultimately,Continue reading “Primary Care Behavioral health”

Sex Therapy

Interviewer: Elisa A. Escalante, LCSW, Advanced Cert in Veteran services, Martial artist Interviewee: Ashleigh Jackson, LMHC, Level II EMDR, certified sex therapist, Yoga instructor Ashleigh Jackson is a licensed mental health counselor in Florida and has owned her own private practice since 2016. I originally followed Ashleigh Jackson on TikTok. Why? Because I am interestedContinue reading “Sex Therapy”

Spectrums

Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 06-30-2025 Do you recall any time in your life when the people around you gave you warnings of what to do or what not to do? Don’t do that too much, it could be a crutch. Don’t isolate too much, but also you don’t need to be around people all theContinue reading “Spectrums”

Mental May

Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 05-15-2025 Every year I promise myself that I will take the month of May more seriously. As it is mental health awareness month. But life get’s the best of me. I was racking my brain on how I could possibly write a blog about mental health for May, as it isContinue reading “Mental May”

But Why?

Elisa A. Escalante/ LCSW/ 4-20-2025 Our mind will go to places that defy the laws of radical acceptance, & life itself. The reason that I ‘why’ my patients, and sometimes my friends to death, is because the mind is reaching for every answer to every possible scenario. Or the mind is fixated on sticking withContinue reading “But Why?”