158. Reconnecting with Your Higher Self: How To Start Healing with Psychotherapist Alisa Gracheva
Release Date: 10/01/2024
Warriors Unmasked
In this deeply personal and courageous episode, Chuck welcomes Captain Adam Meyers, a law enforcement veteran with over two decades of service. Adam shares his powerful story — from dreaming of becoming a police officer as a young boy to the critical incident in 2016 that changed everything. After using deadly force in a life-threatening situation, Adam faced years of mental health struggles, addiction, and eventually, an identity crisis that nearly cost him everything. What makes Adam’s story so compelling is not just the tragedy he endured, but the triumph that followed. Through raw...
info_outlineWarriors Unmasked
In this inspiring episode of Warriors Unmasked, host Chuck Thuss welcomes Justin Jones-Fosu, an award-winning speaker, author, and CEO of Work. Meaningful. Justin shares his powerful insights on resilience, meaningful engagement, and the importance of building real, lasting connections in a world that often feels divided. Justin’s energy is contagious as he takes us on a journey through his upbringing, highlighting the lessons his mother instilled in him about resilience, inclusion, and the power of community. He shares how his experiences shaped his outlook on life, from growing up with...
info_outlineWarriors Unmasked
On this episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Andy Smith, a man who has completely transformed his life from addiction to adventure. Andy was a heavy drinker for most of his life, and by the time he turned 50, everything was falling apart. His journey to sobriety and self-discovery started in the most unexpected way—a Michael Jackson song. That moment sparked a radical change, leading Andy to trade the bottle for the bike, embarking on extreme physical challenges like riding the Tour de France course, cycling across the Arctic Circle, and even climbing Everest on two...
info_outlineWarriors Unmasked
In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, host Chuck Thuss sits down with Dr. Malasri Chaudhery-Malgeri—a leading psychologist, holistic healthcare practitioner, and the Chief Clinical Officer at Recovery.com. Dr. Malasri has spent her life guiding others through trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles, but her own journey to healing is one of resilience, courage, and self-discovery. From childhood abuse and trauma to overcoming toxic relationships and systemic failures in mental health care, Dr. Malasri opens up about the painful experiences that shaped her mission. She shares powerful...
info_outlineWarriors Unmasked
In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with Stephan Kesting, a man whose story of survival, resilience, and self-discovery will leave you deeply inspired. Stephan, known for his expertise in martial arts and his popular online presence as a BJJ instructor, shares a side of his life that many haven’t heard—his journey of loss, a life-saving kidney transplant, and a 42-day solo expedition through the unforgiving Canadian Subarctic. Stephan's story is not just about the physical challenges of navigating a thousand miles of wilderness; it's about confronting grief,...
info_outlineWarriors Unmasked
In this episode of Warriors Unmasked, host Chuck Thuss welcomes Jennifer Kenny Smith, a powerhouse in executive sales leadership turned transformational life coach. Jennifer’s story is one of burnout, survival, and ultimately, surrender—learning to let go and let God guide her toward true healing. For years, Jennifer thrived in her corporate career, but behind the success was a woman struggling with trauma, toxic relationships, addiction, and self-doubt. In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, she opens up about the cycles of self-abandonment she endured, how she found the...
info_outlineWarriors Unmasked
In this deeply moving episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss welcomes Laura DeKraker Lang-Ree, a mother, author, and fierce advocate for families navigating pediatric cancer. Laura shares her heart-wrenching yet empowering journey through her daughter Cecilia's leukemia diagnosis—a journey that sparked her mission to create resources and support for parents facing the unimaginable. Laura opens up about the shock and fear that consumed her when her three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer. She recalls the early days of scouring the internet for guidance, only to find a lack of...
info_outlineWarriors Unmasked
In this deeply inspiring episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with professional hockey player Joey Raats, who shares his remarkable journey of battling cancer, reclaiming his health, and stepping back onto the ice with a renewed purpose. Joey’s story is one of unwavering faith, perseverance, and the power of surrendering to God’s plan. A promising hockey career took Joey across the world, from the U.S. to Canada, and even overseas to France and England. But in May of 2022, life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer that had metastasized...
info_outlineWarriors Unmasked
In this deeply moving episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss welcomes two extraordinary guests, Terry McGuire and Dr. Anita Sanz, for a powerful discussion about mental health, resilience, and the importance of giving a voice to depression. Terry, an award-winning journalist and co-host of the Giving Voice to Depression podcast, shares her lived experience with depression and how it led her to create a platform that has reached millions. Dr. Anita Sanz, a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience, opens up about her own challenges with chronic illness and neurodivergence,...
info_outlineWarriors Unmasked
In this heartfelt episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss is joined by Emmy-nominated journalist and media consultant Mark Hayes for a powerful conversation about family, parenting, and finding hope in the midst of hardship. Mark shares his deeply personal story of navigating the challenges of raising two Division I student-athletes, the unexpected struggles that tested his family’s resilience, and the lessons he’s learned about connection, communication, and being truly present as a parent. Mark discusses the founding of Varsity Connects, his initiative to bridge the gap between parents...
info_outlineIn this transformative episode of Warriors Unmasked, Chuck Thuss sits down with licensed psychotherapist Alisa Gracheva, whose incredible journey of self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth is sure to inspire and empower you. Alisa’s story begins in Russia, where she struggled with feelings of not fitting in and dealt with numerous traumatic experiences. At 18, she took the courageous step to leave her homeland and move to the United States, setting off on a path of profound personal growth and healing.
Throughout the episode, Alisa shares how she not only overcame personal challenges but also discovered her passion for helping others heal through holistic and spiritual practices. As a passionate advocate for reconnecting with one’s higher self, Alisa integrates alternative healing methods such as sound therapy, Reiki, sacred plant medicine, and more into her psychotherapy practice. She discusses how these methods can help individuals find balance and healing from trauma in ways that go beyond conventional Western medicine.
Key Takeaways from Alisa’s Journey:
-
Healing is a Layered Process: Alisa describes healing as peeling back the layers of an onion, revealing deeper issues as each layer is uncovered. Her experiences show that healing is a continuous journey, not a one-time event.
-
The Power of Spirituality in Healing: Alisa emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one’s higher self and how this connection plays a critical role in mental health and personal growth. She encourages listeners to look within, explore their spiritual side, and tap into the power already inside them.
-
Alternative Healing Modalities: From sound therapy to plant medicine and energy work, Alisa shares how these alternative healing methods have transformed not only her life but the lives of her clients. She explains how these methods can be powerful tools for addressing trauma and mental health challenges, providing a holistic approach to well-being.
A Message of Hope
Throughout her journey, Alisa has learned that even the darkest moments can bring about the greatest transformations. She shares how patience, faith, and the willingness to trust the process can lead to profound healing and growth. For those going through tough times, Alisa’s message is clear: healing is possible, and it starts from within.
For anyone interested in alternative healing or reconnecting with their higher self, Alisa’s story is a beacon of hope. Her deep understanding of both the mind and the spirit offers a holistic approach to overcoming trauma, finding inner peace, and living a more fulfilled life.
Connect with Alisa Gracheva
To learn more about Alisa’s work and the healing methods she uses, you can connect with her through her website or social media links in the show notes. Whether you’re looking for one-on-one therapy or exploring alternative healing modalities, Alisa provides the guidance and tools necessary to begin your own healing journey.
Listen to the full episode for an enlightening discussion on trauma, healing, and spiritual growth. Be sure to share this episode with someone who could benefit from Alisa’s powerful insights and holistic approach to mental health.
As always, connect with Chuck for coaching or speaking engagements by visiting Warriors Unmasked. Let’s continue this journey of healing and growth together!
GUEST LINKS:
- Website www.since.life
- IG: alisa_art
- Psychology today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alisa-gracheva-coral-springs-fl/1109186
LINKS:
- www.thecompassionateconnection.com
- www.warriorsunmasked.com
- Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 00:00 – Welcome back! What’s inside this episode.
- 02:15 – Alisa’s Early Life in Russia and Struggles with Trauma
- 05:44 – Moving to the U.S. and Beginning a Journey of Self-Healing
- 09:30 – Discovering the Healing Power of Spirituality and Alternative Therapies
- 14:12 – Using Sound Therapy, Reiki, and Sacred Plant Medicine in Mental Health
- 20:05 – The Role of the Higher Self in Healing and Trauma Recovery
- 24:48 – The Layers of Healing: Comparing It to Peeling Back an Onion
- 30:27 – Addressing Trauma Through Holistic Methods: A Client Success Story
- 34:19 – The Integration of Mental Health and Spiritual Growth in Therapy
- 38:54 – Alisa’s Message of Hope for Those Struggling with Trauma and Mental Health
- 42:15 – Final Thoughts and Where to Learn More About Alisa’s Work